Holy Trinity Church green scheme is criticised by councillor

Workers axed four trees in the graveyard of Holy Trinity Church in Colchester city centre throughout Monday morning.

Colchester Council said the works will pave the way for a “green oasis” to emerge from the site when it is opened up to residents for the first time.

Town hall bosses plan to use £19.2 million Town Deal funding to create a quiet beauty spot for visitors to Colchester to enjoy.

Axed - a tree chopped down in the churchyard in Holy Trinity Church (Image: Mark Goacher)

Green oasis - Holy Trinity Church's graveyard could be transformed under the plans (Image: Newsquest)

But Castle ward and Green councillor Mark Goacher hit out at the scheme, stating: “Saying the work is turning the area into a ‘green oasis’ is greenwashing in my mind.

“Sticking tables and chairs in there and getting the public in there all day is not going to be good for wildlife.”

For news updates straight to your inbox, sign up to our court and crime newsletter here.

Mr Goacher continued: “My main concern is I was told on Friday afternoon about it all by a quite angry member of the public.

“The reason why this has angered me is I was not consulted by anyone. I cannot answer to resident concerns if I have not been told anything about it.

Chopped down - all that remains of one of the trees is its stump (Image: Mark Goacher)

Stumped - Castle ward councillor Mark Goacher

“This completely undermines me as a ward councillor. It makes me very suspicious indeed as I do not know the extent to what the council plans to do.”

Council leader David King has now apologised to Mr Goacher and said “ward councillors on this and similar issues need to be well sighted.”

Mr King previously said the revamp of Holy Trinity Square “will allow nature to flourish in the heart of the city”.

He added: “My apologies, you [Mr Goacher] should have been talked through and I'll follow up.”

Saved - Mr Goacher managed to prevent this tree from being axed (Image: Mark Goacher)

Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell has also hit out at the plans, branding them “civic vandalism”.

He added: “I was walking through town and couldn’t believe what I was seeing. There were mature trees in a conservation area.

“I have never known anything like this in all my years of civic life.”

Council: 'We have to let nature flourish'

A COLCHESTER Council spokesman said expert arboriculturist advice was sought before trees were chopped down in a churchyard.

It follows fury from councillors and residents about four trees being axed in the graveyard of Holy Trinity Church.

The spokesman said: “To enable nature to flourish, to create a healthy habitat for wildlife and to protect the church building, a few trees unfortunately need to be removed.

“These trees have been identified as impeding the growth of other healthy trees or blocking the emergency exits from the church itself. Some were also in a poor condition.

“This tree work was planned on the advice of arboriculture experts and is being completed now to avoid bird nesting season, ahead of public consultation in the summer on the designs and plans for the square.

“Councillors are regularly updated about this and other projects and all councillors received information on Friday afternoon about this work commencing.

“However, we recognise we should have done more to draw it to the attention of ward councillors.

“The aim for this project is to create a welcoming and inviting space in the city centre, turning an overgrown and unusable area into a green oasis that serves the dual purpose of providing a habitat for wildlife and a tranquil space for people.”

We passionately believe in providing unrivalled quality journalism and value for money.

With a digital subscription, you can access our exclusive, insightful and trustworthy local news from just £1 a week.

If you are not already subscribing, sign up today to get instant access to our trusted local coverage - and an ad-light experience - check what package works best for you here.