Councillor steps up trees protest

A WARRINGTON councillor took a pair of stepladders and a saw to a local park as part of a protest over trees blocking a footpath.
Coun Colin Froggatt, Labour, was joined by Warrington North MP Helen Jones at Woolston Park South.
He used the steps and saw to demonstrate how easy it would be to cut back the trees – and offered to help the council out by cutting them back himself.
He said: “I am happy to cut back the branches if the council is unable or unwilling to take up the task. It is simply unacceptable that the pathway is blocked in this manner.”
Coun Froggatt said he had received a number of complaints from local residents about trees blocking the pathway.
He had raised the problem with the borough council but no action had been taken.
“The problem has been ongoing for over a year,” he added.
Helen Jones said: “The council has had long enough to carry out a simple job but seem happy to neglect the north of the town once again.”
A council spokesman said: “Woolston Park is included in on-going maintenance programme, and our street services teams carry out various planned works including grass cutting, litter removal, twice weekly bin emptying and seasonal pruning of hedges and undergrowth as well as rapid responses to emergencies or specific local needs.
“As we are coming to the end of the grass cutting season the area teams will be carrying out the winter work programmes, which includes removing encroachment of trees or shrubberies from footpaths to ensure ease of access.
“We have established a good working relationship with Poulton Parish Council and our dedicated maintenance teams have just started a 12 week blitz.
“Linking in with the parish council, the teams will target the area and carry out a variety of environmental improvement works that have been highlighted by local residents including repairs, cleaning, clearing litter etc.”
Pictured are Coun Froggatt and Ms Jones in the park.