Job loss threat to town's trees (From Stroud News and Journal)

Job loss threat to town's trees

DISTRICT council chiefs have rubbished rumours that Stroud's open spaces warden will see his job axed - claims which have fuelled fears over the future of the town's trees.

Stroud's Save the Trees action group - which fought a bitter battle to protect mature trees in Stratford Park - insists the post is being cut as part of a major review of services.

The warden works closely with Save The Trees to safeguard the health of tree-cover in Stratford Park - which was originally planted as an arboretum and boasts a rich array of species.

Save The Trees spokesman Ron Birch said: "Contacts of mine at the council have told me the post is under threat.

"Many council staff are unhappy and trades unions are being consulted. "Trees in the park will not receive the same level of care if it happens. "There are lots of important species there."

Campaigners also fear the post of arboricultural officer is being downgraded, but again this is disputed by the council.

And they blame the cancellation of a Woodland Fair planned for the autumn of next year on uncertainty over the warden's post.

However, Stroud District Council spokesman Dave Marshall said there is no truth in the claims.

"They are simply wrong. The man who looks after Stratford Park will continue to do so in the same way he does now although his role may change in other ways," he said.

"There will be no change to the arboricultural officer's job and we have not withdrawn support for the fair, we were supporting it in the same way we always have."

Save the Trees was formed in 1988 to protest at plans to sell off part of Stratford Park for a road widening scheme.

Campaigners spent nearly two months living in 13 threatened trees, which were eventually saved.