BRADFORD on Avon Mayor, Cllr Sarah Gibson has responded to continued concerns over Becky Addy Wood.
She said: “Bradford on Avon Town Council and the Friends of Becky Addy Wood held a meeting on Monday, 14 March 2022.
“The meeting was called following concerns by some Friends of Becky Addy Wood committee members that the Town Council was not taking the right approach on the sad issue of extensive Ash Dieback in the woodland.
“The Town Council answered all the questions put forward by Friends of Becky Addy Wood committee members over several hours.
“They were not the answers many of us wanted to hear as cutting down trees is not a happy conclusion.
“This is not something anyone at the Town Council or the members of Friends of Becky Addy Wood expected to have to do – or wants to do.
“Ash Dieback is a sad but serious blight on many woodlands across the country.
“During the meeting, the position and legal duties of the Town Council were fully explained to those present.
“The Town Council has a duty to manage its risk, as identified by a qualified independent tree expert.
“Failing to do so would not only put users of the footpaths at risk but also the Town Council in terms of liability.
“Whilst not everyone agreed, there was an acceptance from some of the Friends of Becky Addy Wood committee that the Town Council’s approach was the only way forward.
“As previously stated, we have taken a forward-looking and ecological approach to managing the woodland.”
