I know it’s another lovely day – weather-wise – but l am a bit angry this morning.
The sound of a buzzing saw means that – somewhere – a tree is being felled.
In this case a cherry – almost in full bloom – is being taken down behind our garden – branch by flowering branch.
The tree surgeons say it’s diseased and – when in full leaf – a branch could have fallen on someone.
But why wait until now?
Why couldn’t it have been brought down in the winter when the tree was dormant. Surely every living thing demands respect.
They also tell me that Curo – the housing association that manages the Swainswick Gardens estate behind our house – has a tree replanting policy.
Seems like they may have to order more than a couple as the tree surgeons say the type of tree chosen for this development – now mature – are high risk when it comes to disease.
This sounds that – at some point in the future – they will all be brought down.
I do not like to see any tree felled and asked Curo for comment. In their defence, they were quick to reply.
Seems there are three cherry trees that have to be removed this year which were all diseased and could have become dangerous.
Further assessments will be needed in the future and may involve further fellings.
Whatever happens, Curo’s tree expert is looking at replacements but these will not be planted until late autumn.
The idea is to broaden the tree species in this area and make them less vulnerable to disease and more suitable for their individual locations.
Into town, and walked through the scaffold-lined Corridor to see a pile of masonry in one of the empty shops. Word has it the insurers inspection found the situation worse than first thought.
For the sake of the traders, l hope it is all remedied soon.
Outside – in the High Street – is a pick up point for waste from the business in the immediate area.
The pavement is terrible stained from food waste and there is an awful smell. This is directly across the road from B&NES and the Guildhall.
Talking of dirty pavements. It’s a shame one particular drinking establishment can’t clean up first thing from its group of smokers gathered outside and dropping their cigarette ends all over the pavement.
Tourists must love our dirty streets and why aren’t the litter enforcement officers catching these people – especially when the pub has a wall-mounted – if tiny – ashtray outside.
One of the saddest sights today was what was Woods the stationers and Christopher Barry the gents outfitters at the top end of Westgate Street.
Empty – like too many shops in the centre of the city.
A couple of things to cheer me up. Our old ‘lady fountain’ of Laura Place should be gushing again by the end of today. A rare celebration of Bath’s water heritage.
And – down on the Kennet and Avon Canal – through Sydney Gardens – those amazing Trust volunteers are busy cleaning graffiti off one of Messrs Stothert and Pitt’s wonderful iron bridges.
