Residents 'fairly suspicious' of council move to cut 39 trees in Ballanard Road park

Douglas Council says the matter is not related to a proposed building compound

A group of residents say they are 'fairly suspicious' of a move by Douglas Council to cut down a number of registered trees in a local playing field. 

The 'Keep Willaston Field Green' community page believes the notice to fell 39 is 'incredibly coincidental' to the timing of a proposed building compound in the Ballanard Road park.

Douglas Council has told Manx Radio that no trees are being removed to accommodate the compound it was agreed following a consultation with DEFA and the location of the compound has been chosen to 'minimise disruption' to residents.

The local authority is looking to build a construction compound on the playing field next to the road whilst it carries out its refurbishment of its social housing stock in the area.

However, a representative from the resident's group, who wished to be referred to only as Michael, believes if the trees are removed then it would be the 'first step' for the building compound to be developed. 

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him:

Michael also said that a local estate agent had told the residents group their house values would 'decrease' if the compound went ahead and the removal of trees could be a 'significant cost' to ratepayers. 

He added that a number of group members have concerns about the flood risk - if the trees are removed there won't be anything to help absorb heavy rain during storms.

The group also believes the playing field is one of the most 'high-risk' zones for flooding in the Douglas North area.

It adds that Douglas Council should have been managing and maintaining the trees rather than waiting until they became a safety risk to residents. 

The group says that if the trees are 'truly dangerous' then these should've been removed as soon as the damage occurred instead of waiting until '10 months later' and inviting representations from the public as to why the trees should not be felled.

In response a Douglas Council spokesperson says: "No trees are being removed to accommodate the compound. Following consultation with DEFA, it was announced in May that a number of trees in the area would need to be removed due to storm damage caused by falling trees. 

"Removing compromised trees is essential for public safety and long-term environmental sustainability. These trees will be replaced with a number of mature specimens to ensure lasting forestry resilience. Replanting after felling is a proactive measure to ensure the area remains safe, ecologically vibrant and climate resilient.

"There is no evidence to support the claim that tree removal would lead to increased flood risk in the area.

"There will be a cost to remove and replace them but that investment will enhance the level of green space in the area. 

"The location of the compound has been chosen to minimise disruption to residents and reduce construction traffic through residential streets. While a portion of the playing field will be temporarily occupied, a substantial area of open space will remain accessible to the public and pedestrian pathways will stay open throughout the works. 

"The Council will continue to liaise with residents, providing updates and responding to any queries about the proposals. The area is already well served by a number of green spaces including the central Willaston green space and children’s play park, both are accessible via the new active travel path, and suitable for walkers and bicycles."

The council added that is has not waited 10 months to remove the trees and says that roots have been 'protected' throughout this time. 

It also says the trees in the area have been monitored and maintained.