Future of lime tree walk, Southwell, to be put to Town Forum for residents views to be gathered

The future of a tree-lined pathway is to be put to the community for them to have their say.

The decision on whether recreate the historic avenue at the War Memorial Recreation Ground with new lime trees, or to re-create the avenue with different native trees or for a completely different planting approach is to be raised with the public.

Southwell Town Council’s town environment committee agreed a proposal made by chairman Lyn Harris at its meeting on September 11, to go to the Town Forum to discuss the future development of lime tree walk.

The Town Forum is next set to meet on Monday, October 14, at the Saracen’s Head, and is a place where residents of the town can inform and lobby upon the performance and strategic direction of local government.

Lyn Harris said: “Over the future years some of the trees will need to be taken down.

“They were all planted at about the same time and made a big impact — the townspeople feel very strongly, I think, about lime tree walk.

“The time is coming for the town council to consider what to do, plant more lime trees or something different.

“I’ve seen there’s been a lot of discussion about it previously. This part of the town is special.”

It was suggested it could be added into the survey for the long-term plan for the town to be presented to residents at the next Town Forum meeting.

Malcolm Brock said: “This is a diplomatic way forward. It is a sensitive topic in the town.”

Two lime trees have already been lost over the last 20 years, the council heard, due to poor maintenance in the 100 years since their planting.

It was unanimously agreed for residents views to be sought on the topic at the Town Forum.