In response to a question from Lib Dem County Cllr Kevin Wilkins about the trees Cllr Matt Bradney, "the Cabinet Member for Growth and Infrastructure" said:
In the case of Milton Road, there are some longer-term issues over future
investment in bus priority and cycleways that could have implications for
tree planting locations. Unfortunately, the extent of these implications
on the section of Milton Road approaching the King’s Hedges Road may not be
fully understood until guided bus operations commence next year and further
monitoring work on bus delays has been undertaken.
However, in light of the recent feedback from the Area Joint Committee and
following further discussions with the Director of Highways and Access, I
have asked that officers meet with the City Council’s Arboricultural Team
to approve replanting proposals. It should be possible to agree proposals
for the majority of the route but, as indicated above, there may be a need
for replanting near to the King’s Hedges Road junction, in particular, to
be held over at this time.
So this is a partial victory: we can get trees replanted on some of Milton Road, and we will continue to fight for the trees near King's Hedges Road.
The County Council have been forced by your pressure to come a long way from their position last summer which was that "we are not replacing trees" because of the possible impact that the "Long Term Transport Strategy ... may have on Milton Road" they decided to "hold off new planting in case it is not consistent with those emerging plans." (This was in an email dated 20 June 2007.)
When this was published Mike Pitt asked for a rethink on on 18 April 2008 in an email to Cllr Mac McGuire. Despite resending it he is still awaiting a reply!
Hopefully we will see replanting soon.
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