Councillor warns that expensive tree works in Wooler could be 'a massive undertaking'

Coun Angus Murray was speaking about the Tory, a section of steeply sloping woodland backing on to the Ad Gefrin distillery and visitor centre development site.

Wooler Parish Council, which owns the land, has already had a tree survey carried out but Coun Murray warned it was ‘seriously flawed’.

“That bankside is going to be an enormous problem for us,” he said. “I didn’t realise how bad it was until I walked in that woodland. It’s going to be a massive undertaking.

“In an ideal world every single tree would come down. You’ve got the potential there for slippage on to all the properties on South Road.”

The parish council is to request a follow-up visit from the tree survey author to mark trees in need of attention.

It was felt ivy also needed to be removed to carry out a full assessment.

It also agreed to approach Northumberland County Council to find out about possible funding options.

Meanwhile, work on the removal of trees on the riverbank at South Road is set to proceed after councillors approved a quote for £2,530. Wood will go to the local log bank and chipping to the school field site where some will be used on the allotments.

An offer to donate two additional round benches on the riverside path is also being considered.

Members praised the recent work done to reinstall the fountain in the market place. They agreed to fund the planting of an additional cherry tree to even up the area.

The parish council has also agreed to purchase two new rubbish bins for the Haugh Head and South Road areas.

Wooler community workshop, formerly the Men in the Shed, has been granted £500 so the parish clerk can provide administrative support. The parish council is involved to monitor the current situation and start producing a plan to ensure the group’s long term survival and its ability to be self-sufficient. Coun Robert Donkin has agreed to become chairman.

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