KCC AGREES TO TAKE STREET TREES SERIOUSLY

12.47.37pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 23rd Feb 2007

Trees greatest natural antidote to carbon emissions from cars

Pressure from local Liberal Democrat Cllrs Dan Daley and Margaret Featherstone has resulted in more money being set aside for the protection, care and replanting of roadside trees.

Dan Daley, Lib Dem Spokesman on the Environment, proposed a budget increase of £100,000 at Thursday's KCC Budget meeting. Cllr Keith Ferrin, Cabinet Member for the Environment, Highways and Waste, conceded that Street Trees are vital in the fight against carbon pollution and though not accepting the entire amount, agreed to make money available to implement an enhanced tree programme during the coming budget year.

Cllr Dan Daley, Liberal Democrat Spokesman on Environmental matters said: "This is an important step forward. We have been pressing the Cabinet Member for some time to recognise that the Council budget for Highways tree maintenance, replacement and planting was wildly inadequate. Mr Ferrin has at last acknowledged that this is a subject to be taken seriously in the fight against urban pollution, as trees are the greatest natural antidote to the high carbon emissions from motor vehicles. He has now pledged greater resources and a proper audit of Highways trees throughout Kent, which we welcome".

The subject of Highways trees has been a main plank argument of Liberal Democrat policy for years and there is now a more general realisation that among measures to combat pollution, trees remain the strongest weapon in the armoury which also gives a beneficial amenity at the same time as giving protection to the environment.