'Disconnect' over lime tree plans for Elgin park
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There has been a "disconnect" over a proposal to create an avenue of 58 lime trees in Elgin's Cooper Park according to the chairman of the town’s community council.
The proposal forms part of the Queen’s Green Canopy project which is encouraging schools, groups and individuals to plant trees as part of the platinum jubilee celebrations,
The trees will be planted 10 metres apart on either side of the footpath running from Grant Lodge to Deanshaugh bridge.
The scheme is being led by the Lord Lieutenants of Moray and Banffshire, with a steering group including the deputy lieutenants, representatives from the local authority’s education, planning and lands and parks services as well as two councillors.
A meeting was held last week in Cooper Park between members of the steering group and the community council.
Taking a stronger stance than other members of Elgin Community Council, Eddie Wallace stated his belief that the trees are being planted in the wrong place and will diminish the park.
Mr Wallace aired his dislike for the plan, saying people he spoke to were unaware or it and did not support it.
He said: "I use the park and there needs to be thought on how it’s used, instead of putting this knife edge through it.
"You just don’t plant trees in the middle of a park."
Concerns were also raised that the tree project was not included in discussions or plans relating to the rejuvenation of the park as part of the Moray Growth Deal.
But John Moray, the Earl of Moray who is chairman of the steering group, stated that lime trees grew in many parks across the area and could be found in Forres, Fochabers and Grantown.
He said: "We want everybody to be part of this, It’s something Elgin can enjoy for the next 150 years.
"It would be a treasure of the town."
The trees, which have been bought using £25,000 of donations, will need to be planted by the end of next month.
Alastair Kennedy, who is the chairman of the community council, stated that members had expressed different views on the project, but accepted it would go ahead anyway.
He said: "We have stated our ambivalence towards it. It’s a bit disappointing the way the community wasn’t really involved
"I think there’s been a disconnect and that’s not helped things."
For anyone who wants to get involved with the project more information and contact details can be found on the websites lordlieutenantmoray.co.uk and queensgreencanopy.org
