Authorities say not acting now could lead to increased flood risk
A number of residents and riverside walkers have expressed a concern that a number of trees along the Thames tow path opposite Hammersmith Terrace and upstream to Chiswick Eyot have been removed over the last couple of weeks.
The work, being carried out by the Port of London Authority (PLA), is to stop the serious damage currently being caused by the tree roots to the revetment (the manmade stone faced sloping river bank below the towpath).
A spokesperson for the PLA said "Leaving these trees until they cause further damage is simply not an option. Without prompt action the revetment will become seriously damaged. Depending on the location, this could lead to the towpath being undermined and unsafe and could also lead to increased flood risk.
He continued "Some of the trees are also a potential hazard to rowers and other small boats - as the authority responsible for safety on the Thames, this is another concern for us.
"It must be emphasised that the vast majority of the mature trees are on the landside of the towpath and will not be removed in this scheme as these do not damage the revetment significantly. Therefore it is not the case that "all greenery" is being removed from the towpath area."
However some believe the work has 'drastically altered the character of the wooded tow path' and hold the alternative view that some of the tree roots are actually holding the revetment in place. They also believe that the biodiversity and fragile eco-system of the towpath will be completely devastated if the tree felling continues.
The PLA said that they had "Consulted widely on this - including with the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames; the Thames Strategy - Kew to Chelsea; and the West London River Group. We are also in continuing direct dialogue with individual local residents."
Jim Trimmer, head of planning & partnerships at the Port of London Authority said, "Tree management work is part of our work to protect the Thames and its surroundings for many different communities. This pilot project seeks to find a balance that keeps river users safe; protects the vital river wall and towpath; and maintains a mix of tree screening and cover."
There will be an opportunity for local people to discuss this matter (together with other River issues) at a forthcoming public meeting the PLA are holding on Tuesday 18 March at 6.30pm at the London Rowing Club, Putney Embankment.
February 18, 2009
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