Trees are a part of our village history (From Warrington Guardian)

Trees are a part of our village history

RESIDENTS in Lymm have joined forces in their hundreds as part of a campaign to save the future of an avenue of historic trees.

Concerned neighbours living on Limefield Avenue, near the site of the old Grammar School, say more needs to be done to protect a row of trees planted to remember soldiers from the village who fought in the First World War.

And campaigners have presented a petition containing more than 400 signatures to Warrington Borough Council after increasing threats to the trees.

They are concerned that pruning of the trees, many of which are more than 100 years old, will eventually kill a vital part of the village's heritage.

Charlotte Couple, who lives on Limefield Avenue and has helped organise the petition, said she hoped the trees would be saved.

She added: "This is a real part of history in the village, they are as historic as The Cross.

"They will not need pruning now for several years and we need to make sure they are protected.

"We have had so much response with people as far away as Beeston, which shows just what these trees mean to people."

Although the trees are protected by an order, officials at Warrington Borough Council have been down to prune on the request of other residents who say the leaves from the trees are collecting in their gardens.

Gordon Haslam, arboricultural officer at the borough council, said: "We are in talks with both residents and ward councillors about the most suitable action to take.

"We do understand the significance of the memorial trees and how important they are to the community but we also have to be mindful of the problems associated with them.

"No decision has been made about pruning the trees as further consultation is needed. We are planning a joint site visit between councillors and officers before a decision is made."