Save the Patriot Square trees

6.55.00pm GMT Sun 1st Nov 2009

Local residents have alerted Bethnal Green North Liberal Democrats to a plan to cut down the ten lovely London Plane trees that line the road alongside the Old Bethnal Green Town Hall. Councillor Stephanie Eaton has written to planning officers to try and stop the trees from being cut down.

Residents have heard that the trees may be cut down as soon as tomorrow (Monday 2nd November). The area is part of the Bethnal Green gardens conservation area and trees cannot be cut down in a conservation area without planning consent. The local residents' association was not aware of the intention of the developers to fell the trees and local residents were not consulted on the trees' removal.

Speaking about the row of trees, local Councillor Stephanie Eaton said "These are fine mature trees which give shade to the area in the summer and now, in Autumn, they form a fine display of golden leaves. It would be a disaster if they were to be cut down. I cannot believe that the trees are a hindrance to the building work. I have emailed officers as a matter of urgency and I hope they will respond as soon as they arrive at work in the morning. We must preserve these trees as they are a vital part of the environment of Patriot Square."

The Old Town Hall is being renovated and will be a hotel complex and conference centre which incorporates the historic Council chamber at the rear of the building.