Our vandals (From Barry And District News)

Our vandals

MOST local authorities have a Design and Planning department. Do these initial for ours stand for Desecration and Pomposity?

Last Wednesday, I was appalled to see that the beautiful tree at the bottom of Romilly Avenue had been cut down. Admittedly, the roots had broken through the pavement recently, but this didn't necessitate such drastic action. Having poor eyesight and two knee replacements, I'm not known for my agility, but these roots never presented a hazard for me, as they were parallel to the kerb.

However, if I tripped on that spot today, I'd be impaled on one of the four metal rods upright in the ground. These "stakes" are at eye level with children who live nearby. Let us hope that the skateboarders who coast down that hill won't be "skewered".

I was under the impression that permission had to be sought to cut down trees. I can't recall seeing an application for this arboreal vandalism in the local press. Am I naive in thinking that the council is exempt from following its own rules?

Furthermore, the "powers that be" didn't even have the courtesy to inform the residents of the houses behind this trees. In fact, workmen were sent on the only day when there were no cars alongside the tree - hardly a coincidence.

Is it too much to hope that people in this area who pay high rates could have the tree replaced? There has already been too much wilful destruction of natural beauty in this town.

Nita Dally MBE The Knap Barry