Lancaster city centre trees saved after council U-turn

Campaigners cheered as Lancaster City Council did a U-turn after a petition of more than 1,000 signatures called for seven lime trees to be saved.

The trees will now remain and the council will instead try to find ways to stop passersby from slipping over underneath them.

The trees are a haven for aphids that feed on their sap. They then secrete ‘honeydew’, a sugar rich sticky liquid, on to the surfacing below, causing it to become slippery in wet weather, and making it difficult and costly to clean.

The council had suggested chopping down the trees to save money.

But Coun Janice Hanson, Cabinet member for regeneration, told a council meeting on Wednesday night that they will now trial different cleansing methods and products to tackle the problem.

She said: “It has become very clear to me that the trees in Market Square have much significance to the public. I have listened to these views and believe that we should act accordingly.

“Therefore, the trees will be retained but we also need to ensure we have in place a realistic and affordable management and maintenance regime in the Square.”

It was standing room only in the public gallery at Morecambe Town Hall as the decision was made.