Shifnal – Coppice Green Lane – prohibition of right turns
The introduction of a no right turn moving traffic order will improve the safety of road users at this junction, reduce traffic queues and improve air quality.
Notice of proposed felling of street trees
Local Highway Authority
Shropshire Council
Street / location
Promenade area, Cross Street, Ellesmere
Number of trees affected
Four
Reason for proposed felling
Shropshire Council is proposing to fell the above street trees due to ‘root heave’ causing uneven footway surfaces and trip hazards.
The proposal is to remove the four trees and repave the Promenade area. New seating areas and planters would be installed on the Promenade area.
Over recent years, the tree roots have progressively displaced the paving slabs within the Promenade area. To address the resulting trip hazards, the council has undertaken remedial works by removing the affected slabs and replacing them with bitmac
Despite these remedial works, new defects continue to appear, which then results in more slabs being removed and replaced with bitmac. This has resulted in the area becoming unsightly, inconsistent in appearance, and difficult to maintain to a safe standard. Consequently, the current approach is no longer regarded as a sustainable long term solution.
The decision to proceed with the option of felling the trees has not been taken lightly. A range of alternative solutions has been fully considered. However, the option of felling followed by resurfacing has been identified as the most cost effective and sustainable approach in terms of both initial expenditure and long term maintenance.
Alternatives considered
Shropshire Council has examined a range of alternative engineering and tree management options, including:
- Raising or reconstructing the affected footway by approximately 100 mm – It is highly likely that this would only provide a temporary solution, as root growth is likely to continue and cause further defects. This option is also more costly than the current proposal.
- Installing soil cell tree pits, planting two replacement trees, and resurfacing the area. This option is significantly more expensive than the alternatives and would require an ongoing watering programme, resulting in additional long term maintenance costs.
Having reviewed these alternatives, the council considers them to be disproportionate in cost and uncertain in their long term effectiveness when compared with the proposed solution
Improvement proposals
Shropshire Council is proposing to repave the area using block paving, alongside the introduction of new seating areas and planters by Ellesmere Town Council. These improvements are intended to enhance the appearance of the area, improve usability, and provide a more attractive and sustainable streetscape once the footway defects have been resolved.
It's important to note that the existing line of trees separating the promenade from the car park will remain in place and are not affected by this proposal.
How to get involved
This notice forms part of a public consultation. You are invited to submit your views on the proposed felling.
How to respond:
- Email: emoswestry@shropshire.gov.uk
- Post: Shropshire Council, 107 Longden Road, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY3 9EL
All responses will be considered before a final decision is made.
A summary of the consultation responses and the council’s decision will be published on Shropshire Council’s website and displayed on the affected trees
This will be done as soon as reasonably possible after the consultation closes, and no later than 28 days before any felling takes place, should felling be approved.
Other consultations which might interest you
Ruyton-XI-Towns – Church Street – School Keep Clear markings
The introduction of the prohibition of stopping markings on Church Street, Ruyton XI Towns are to improve pedestrian visibility and safety outside of St John the Baptist C Of E Primary School & Nursery, Ruyton XI Towns. The restrictions are proposed to replace the existing school keep clear markings that are not enforceable and will be located in the same place as the existing markings.
Cosford – 30mph Speed Limit
The introduction of a 30mph speed limit along Worcester Road West aims to improve the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and other road users travelling between Cosford Train station and the RAF Cosford museum. The speed limit changes will facilitate the introduction of a 2m wide footway that is to be installed on the south side of the carriageway, as currently pedestrians walk along the verge. With the reduced speed limit, cyclists will be able to cycle on the carriageway more safely. The proposals are being implemented following assessment of vehicle speed data and pedestrian movements between the train station and the museum, both during term time and in the school holidays. The proposals are being implemented along Neachley Lane and Long Lane in order maintain a continuous 30mph speed limit in the vicinity of the museum and air base.