Two Acres

I guess it shouldn't suprise me either....I'm old enough and wise enough to know how these things work (or more likely don't). I just find it frustrating that the people on the PC haven't done their research, don't understand their legal position, and are prepared to accept advice from only one source before taking a decision. Thats very amateurish, but then these folks aren't paid to do what they do and I should really appreciate all the effort they put in. Its also depressing to listen to people talking vaguely and from an uninformed position about a subject of which I have some knowledge (admitedly not professional but I do have some understanding). I have pointed out to them that I'm a woodland owner and have contacts but I'm not expecting to be asked to help... It will be interesting now to see who they choose to undertake a second tree survey....we will see.

Just back home after the parish council meeting...the idea that they were going to discuss the tree was a little inaccurate. As it happened the tree didn't seem to interest anyone on the council much. Those of us that went in support of the tree had to sit through about one hour 45 minutes of planning, grass trimming, traffic signs...god give me strength....When we finally, finally finished discussing the posiiton of every last bollard and drain in the village we got to the tree. A vague and, IMHO, disinterested conversation followed. I pointed out that the PC didn't have the authority to make a decision, as the tree is in a conservatuon area. I didnt't feel that was well recieved. Someone else pointed out that the tree report was not exactly a rigourous, academic study. The PC decided to seek a second opinion and perhaps (I thonk) contact the tree officer some conversation around the powerline ensued but after many minutes of arm waving and being ignored or closed down the agenda moved on. At that point I and some friends, decided that two hours down the road was enough for one night and that maybe the salient points been made, to some degree. I don't think local government is going to be my thing....

Sorry all, Work has been keeping me busy. Theres a parish council meeting tonight. I expect a good few people will be going so I'll let you know what happens next.

The problem is surely this bit, 'You will also be taking responsibility for any damages which you will be liable for.' That means shes needing someone with insurance, and that means a professional, so it seems cheeky to me.

Eddy - anyi ideas why the power network would replace many of the poles and lines in the village any yet leave the one going through the tree?

Cheers for that info Eddy

:congrats: My Dad had a quadruple heart bypass on the NHS. The NHS delivered my twins six weeks premature and looked after them in intensive care for two weeks. My son had to be hospitalised for a week after that with bronchulitis. The NHS isn't perfect but it does do a brilliant job

Me too :2gunsfiring_v1::bandit:

Evening Kevin, Many thanks once again for your input:thumbup: I have a suspicion that the PC will rapidly back track when they realise the extent of the opposition to the tree felling. I've been told that the new electricity cables are bundled and insulated so the trees growing around them are no longer such a problem as in the past. Again time will tell on that one I guess. If that is the case then its interesting that the power network has left the cable running throught he tree alone while replacing most of the others in the area. I've been looking at the tree council website, they look good, however theres no simple way to contact them. I can't see a 'contact' page or email address? I'll keep you posted as things progress Cheers

Thanks for your input Kev and Eddy, I'm now back at home after my hols and I've had a look at the tree. The local action campaign is gathering pace and ribbons have been tied to the tree. Apparently the local press have promised to publish a story and pic. The parish council also going to have the future of the tree on the agenda at their next meeting. Personally I can see no need to fell the tree. Again I have to qualify that and say that I'm a woodland owner, not an arborist. I appreciate that their may well be significant differences between a tree growing in a woodland one going beneath power lines and next to a public footpath. Thta said I can see no sign of rot or other damage to the tree. If it wasn't tipping down with rain right now I'd shoot some pics of the trunk and unions so that those more in the know than myself could enlighten me - I'll try to get some shots when the weather improves. I've also realised that the power network have been in the village recently and have replaced many of the poles and cables. Most cables are now single rather than four strands (sorry, please excuse my lack of knowledge,I don't understand the correct terminology here). The cabel that runs through the tree canopy has been left alone at is stage so what the power netwroks plan is I'm unsure. Two of us have also emailed the tree officer - no response - perhaps hes on holiday I'll keep you all posted as things develop

Cheers Treequip - I'm 47 so what you're saying is pretty sobering.

Cheers for both your above comments Treequip - I apprectiate your views

Not really Felix, I was just playing Devils Advocate. I was assumimg that the bottom line would be the power companies prime consideration. I was also thinking that they don't operate in a proper free market (in that theres no competing power network) so they don't need to take account of their consumers demands.

Thats interesting Treequip - would you bother asking them the question then?

Exactly what I thought Felix. Interesting to contemplate though. Can't be that tricky to put in a replacement pole twenty feet away from the tree and reroute the powerline. Easier than waiting thirty years for a new tree to grow anyway.

I too have a 10k overdraft facility. I've always had' it since I started out in business. I've had it for 25 years with the same bank. In the early days I'd go into the local branch once a year to talk through my accounts with the manager and renew the facility. What seems to have happened in recent years is that they change the manager every year or two (I reckon so you don't get yoo friendly and they don't end up lending you too much cash because of that). I've not personally met the manager for ten years or so. All they do now is just send me renewal paperwork once a year. Works ok for me but the personal touch has long gone sadly.

Just to play devils advocate here for a moment - what would the power networks resposnse be of they were asked to move their powerline away from the tree? Anyone ever known such a thing or do the shareholders profits always take precedence?

I completely agree Sloth:thumbup:

I think the decision, ultimately, rests with the tree officer - doesn't it?

Not yet - I emailed a couple of days ago and the friend whos taking the lead on this one tells me she emailed today. Probably best to phone and see if we can arrange a meeting I think but the girls are more interested in the campaign tying ribbons on the tree and getting the press out They have also arranged to have the issue on the agenda at the next parish council meeting so everyone can air their views. Seems to me the priority is to call the tree officer (can't do it myself, on holiday so can't meet with him) I have been told that the power network have told the pub landlady they intend to prune the tree. I guess thats good news.

:lol:

You're back from spending time googling 'naked women tied to trees'' then Kev

Cheers Hodge, So in theory the Parish Council, assuming they own the tree, need to apply for permission to fell it because its in a CA? Or the arborist doing the work for them would lodge the application? Please excuse my ignorance, as I've said before I'm not in the industry, sorry.

Four weeks starting from when Matty?

Thanks Hodge - I guess the tree officer can settle this one pretty quickly then.