Councillor demands replacements for Preston's axed cherry trees

Now the city council is threatening enforcement action after a dozen cherry trees were axed on Blackpool Road to make way for a superstore and still haven’t been replaced two-and-a-half years later.

“One condition of getting planning permission was that any trees chopped down by the developers would be replaced and they haven’t been,” stormed Coun Terry Cartwright.

“It’s ludicrous the council imposing conditions on applicants if they aren’t going to be complied with.”

The planning committee which passed the Morrisons development on the former Spar distribution centre in Ribbleton in November 2012 gave developers a series of conditions, one of which was to plant nine six metre high cherry trees alongside Blackpool Road to fill a gap left by felling.

“The rest of Blackpool Road between Ribbleton Lane and Sir Tom Finney Way is lined with cherry trees - chosen by residents more than 20 years ago - and it was only right the gap left by this development was filled in,” said Coun Cartwright.

“At this time of year the road looks stunning with the trees in full bloom. But not that bit and it needs filling in.”

A spokesman for Preston Council revealed: “We are considering options for enforcement action.”

Morrisons declined to comment.