Tree works not done

There is an old gum tree growing on the road reserve in Tenalga Ave, Ettalong Beach.

Many of the branches are quite large and sway dangerously whenever there is a strong wind. Hundreds of school children regularly walk under the tree when they go to play netball on the Lemon Grove Reserve courts.

People also park their cars under the tree.

Gosford Council was contacted to do something about the tree last September as the tree was considered a safety risk.

Council inspected the tree and concluded that it was low risk.

Only deadwood would be removed, at some time in the future, dependent upon available Council resources.

Over the past six months, no tree works have been done by Council.

Recently, a huge branch (not deadwood) came crashing down and damaged the colorbond fence of an adjacent property.

It's fortunate the branch didn't fall when people were walking under the tree. Someone could have been seriously injured or even killed.

Council was again advised about the tree.

They now intend to prune deadwood and overhanging branches at some time over the next six months, subject to available resources or higher priority works taking place.

You would think that Council would give priority to public tree works when there is a risk of a branch crashing down and injuring someone.

If the tree had been properly assessed in the first place and the necessary tree works carried out, Council would not now be looking at a possible compensation claim for damage to a ratepayer's fence.

It is to be hoped that no more branches come down over the next six months.

David White, Ettalong Beach