Saddleworth tree clearing for school travel scheme, sparks replanting programme

Councillor for Saddleworth North, Garth Harkness

Controversial felling of mature trees in Diggle for a school travel scheme, has caused concern among residents, but now a local councillor has won a replanting scheme. 

Garth Harkness, Lib Dem Councillor for Saddleworth North Ward, expressed frustration at the confusion surrounding trees being cut down in the Saddleworth village this week.

He said: ”Residents raised concerns with me over the weekend that the council was increasing the number of trees to be felled as part of the school travel scheme. 

The felling was part of the process to create a safe pedestrian route between Standedge Road and Huddersfield Road for pupils to get to school. It was always understood that some trees would be lost to achieve it.  

Mr Harkness added: "There was no further consultation allowed, and the notice given was unreasonably short.  

“Once residents contacted me I requested that work was paused until their questions were answered.

"It is disappointing, to say the least, that the work continued. I have made it clear that this is no way to treat residents and no way to maintain public goodwill while the new school’s traffic scheme takes shape.

“It is a sacrifice but my guiding principle has been that we take no chances with pupil’s lives."

The councillor has now secured a commitment that three new trees will be planted for every one lost.

"It will not cancel the sadness of losing the mature trees but it will be a benefit now and a substantial legacy for the future.”

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