23 November 2010
Ward Councillors in Upperton ward have used part of their ward budget to fund five Elm trees in Saffrons Road. The trees are being planted following the loss of trees in this road to Dutch Elm Disease. This area of Eastbourne has the majority of its roads tree lined.
Cllr. Graham Marsden said, “I am very pleased that it has been possible to respond to a request for replacement trees from local residents. This is a good example of how ward councillors can use their devolved fund to improve the neighbourhood for the benefit of the whole community.”
Cllr. Alex Hough said, “We are lucky to have The Downland Trees and Woodland Team with over 50 Years of combined experience of tree care and the protection of our Elms, who have put all their passion and knowledge into caring for our trees and planting new ones. English elms are mainly confined to Sussex, and Eastbourne hosts the tallest recorded Wheatley elm tree on earth.”
The type of tree that has been planted has been specially bred to have a natural resistance to Dutch Elm Disease. The trees will replicate the historical elm planting in the neighbourhood.
Part of the funding for the trees to be planted will ensure they are looked after for the first two years while they become established in the area.
Ward budgets are an amount of money set aside for councillors to spend on one-off projects in their wards. Residents who have an idea of something in the area that could do with help should contact their ward councillor.
