Hundreds of trees are set for the chop across the Basildon district - because of mounting insurance claims against the local council.
Toppling trees weakened by winds and torrential rain - as well as those with root damage and subsidence - have led to a sharp rise in claims by tenants against Basildon Council.
It has been revealed that more than 1,200 trees are facing the axe because they are sited within eight metres of a house or garage.
However, the scheme has been slated by Labour leader Nigel Smith, who said: "We need to be convinced these are all problem trees, because trees absorb pollution, are homes for birds and make things much more attractive. I am determined that the overall number of trees be maintained, or ideally increased. One of the great things about Basildon is the quantity of trees."
Overall about 7.5 per cent of the district's trees are being lost.
Published Thursday, January 16, 2003
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