A PUBLIC consultation on how to deal with more than 140 non-native Leylandii trees in Merthyr Dyfan Cemetery, has been launched by Barry Town Council.

The town council is seeking your views on the fate of the Barry Cemetery trees – whether they should be felled or reduced.

Leylandii trees are a fast-growing coniferous, evergreen tree used for hedges and screens.

The tree species has, by virtue of their rapid, thick growth, has led to instances where neighbours – in locations elsewhere in the UK – have had disputes over property becoming overshadowed.

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In a statement released on Twitter, Barry Town Council invited the public to make its views known from now until October 31.

The statement said: “Whilst looking to replace the old fencing along the boundary of St Teilo’s Avenue and St Andrews Road it has become very apparent that action on the non-native Leylandii trees set in front of the fencing will need to be addressed before further action can be carried out with regard to the replacement programme of the fence.

“This is due to the close proximity of trees to the fence, where trunks and benches touch and overlay the fencing and, in some cases, the iron-railing fence is in full contact with the trees which have broken the fence, leaving the boundary insecure.

“The two options available are either to remove or reduce the trees, which have grown in some cases to heights of 50+ feet, with thick, dark green and dense foliage which encroaches both sides of the fence causing large shaded areas with some headstones being lost beneath their growth.”

The statement added that a tree expert, the cemeteries and facilities manager and a town councillor would be present to answer questions on the proposed works at a ticketed event on September, 29.

Barry Town Council Plaid opposition leader and Baruc ward councillor, Shirley Hodges said: "Leylandii trees were planted up against the metal fence around 60 years ago, no doubt to act as a natural screen between the cemetery and housing.

“The existing metal fence now needs replacing to secure the boundary of the cemetery.

“There are around 140 trees affected.

“The consultation is to obtain views on the options available reducing the height of these trees many of which are over 50 foot or removing the trees and replant with indigenous species.

“Either option will have a significant impact on the how the cemetery looks.

“It’s important the public tell us their thoughts - the state of the fence and the height of the trees means doing nothing isn't an option.

“I would encourage people to tell the Town Council what they think.”

The free consultation event takes place, from 9.30am to 10.15am on Tuesday, September 29.

To register for a ticket, visit Eventbrite.

Views can also be submitted by email at info@barrytowncouncil.gov.uk