Trees in Market Square

Having spent more that £250,000 last year on work to improve Market Square, the Labour Group at Harlow Council recently agreed to spend another £50,000 on planting trees in and around the square.

Many residents will remember the outcry that took place some years ago when the Council purchased at great expense a number of red ‘tubs’ which were placed in the square, into which trees were planted. Due to a lack of care these trees soon perished.

Residents whose homes suffer from damage caused by tree roots will be well aware that the outcome of planting trees in Market Square will be damage to surrounding paving. Surely such planting should have taken place before any new surfaces were laid, taking care that the design ensured that enough space was left so that damage in the future did not occur?

And £50,000 …… really?