"Environmental crime" was sensationalist (From Times Series)

"Environmental crime" was sensationalist

4:14pm Wednesday 23rd April 2008 in

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Barnet Council has an excellent record on tree management and has the highest number of street trees of any London borough therefore I was astounded to read your sensationalist article Hundreds of trees cut down in 'environmental crime'.

Trees within the Glebeland Nature Reserve were inspected by officers of Barnet Council and where potential risks such as falling branches or complete collapse were identified the trees were felled or pollarded.

Many of the trees felled by the Council overhung the busy North Circular Road therefore the decision was taken to remove this potential danger to residents and the travelling public. To knowingly leave such dangers in place would amount to gross negligence on the part of Barnet Council that could have resulted in casualties to those using the nature reserve or motorists using the North Circular Road.

A new management plan for the Glebeland Nature Reserve is under review and will start in 2009. Working in conjunction with the volunteer groups who undertake conservation work at the site this plan will identify the management requirements to further encourage wildlife and develop bio-diversity."

Councillor Matthew Offord
Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport
London Borough of Barnet