Bee-keeper ‘appalled’ as council remove trees on Wombwell High Street

Chris Mullins filmed staff removing two trees on April 12, as he was making deliveries to shops on the High Street.

Mr Mullins says he was ‘appalled’ to witness the trees in blossom being removed by 20-30 workers ‘as fast as they can’.

“I couldn’t believe it,” said Mr Mullins.

“Trees aren’t supposed to be chopped down in spring when birds are nesting.

“I’m just appalled because at this time of year [bees] struggle for food, and the blossom is one of their main food sources.

“There will have been insects in those trees, there might even have been birds nests, but there was no regard for it. They were just lopping them down as quick as possible

“Whoever has sanctioned that wants sacking – have the councils learned nothing from all that trouble in Sheffield with the trees?

“It’s all unnecessary. I’m surprised at Barnsley Council.”

Barnsley Council, however, say nine trees will be planted to replace the two which were removed, as part of the principal towns programme to improve Wombwell HIgh Street.

A spokesperson said that the trees were in ‘poor form and condition with a limited life expectancy, and in places, the roots of these trees were causing damage or risk of damage to paving’.

The spokesperson added: “Works to improve the layout and accessibility of Wombwell High Street are underway.

“The programme includes pavement improvements to both sides of the high street, resurfacing of the highway, and decluttering and improvements to the street scene around the market area.

“Works will include new seating, refreshing existing structures, levelling sunken paving, and the removal of three trees.

“The three trees planned for removal were inspected – two were in generally poor form and condition with a limited life expectancy, and in places, the roots of these trees were causing damage or risk of damage to paving.

“These trees have now been removed to provide space for the other trees to develop full, even crown forms without significant competition, improving their form and allowing them to thrive.

“The three trees will be replaced with nine new trees which will be planted in local green spaces, during the next planting season in September.”