Anger in Torquay as palm trees are removed
Anger in Torquay as palm trees are removed
A row has erupted in Torquay over its palm trees. The trees were uprooted during a cleaning operation in the town on the English Riviera, upsetting locals.
Travellers staying in
cottages in Devon expecting to see
Torquay's famous palm trees could be left disappointed, says The Guardian. A spring clean in the town has sparked anger, changing its distinctive landscape.
Some palms were uprooted from flower beds near the harbour, while others are to be moved to different areas of the town. The decision did not prove popular, with councillors, shopkeepers and residents alike raising their objections.
Local councillor Robert Excell described the removal of the trees as "carnage". "I understood they were going to thin it out and improve the views across the harbour. I didn't expect this carnage - it was a bit of a shock seeing it," he said.
Meanwhile, fellow councillor Jenny Faulkner objected to the way in which the operation was carried out: They should have had the manners to inform people." However, she added that she understood the trees were removed to stop antisocial behaviour taking place in the shadows they provided.
Shopkeeper Pauline Harvey joined in the argument, expressing concern that tourists' hopes would be dashed. "It's terrible," she said. "People come to Torquay expecting to see the palm trees and lovely plants."
Torbay Council defended its decision, insisting it was not planning to remove all the trees. It conceded that a "handful" of smaller trees had been removed from the harbour area, but that larger ones would be spread out to form a palm lined avenue.
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