“Is this really the best the council can do?” – Councillors question unusual tree stump ‘repair’ in Claines

Residents in Claines have been left bemused by an unusual attempt to deal with a tree stump on Park Avenue, after the stump was covered with tarmac despite standing more than a foot above the surrounding pavement.

Liberal Democrat city councillor for Claines Karen Holmes says she was shocked when she saw the work, which appears to have involved laying tarmac over the remaining tree stump rather than removing it.

The issue had originally been raised with the council around a year ago. Residents had requested that the tree be removed, but the remaining stump could not be ground out because of utilities located underneath it.

It is understood that the decision to cover the stump with tarmac was made on site, rather than being part of a previously agreed solution.

One nearby family has since reported that the condition of the pavement has made it difficult to leave their home.

Cllr Holmes, an engineer by profession, said:

“As an engineer, I could not believe what I was seeing. I have never come across anything like this. I am struggling to understand how this can be regarded as an adequate solution to the problem.”

County councillor Mel Allcott, who has been contacted by Cllr Holmes and is following the matter up with Highways, said:

“I know there are issues with utilities under this tree stump, and I understand why it could not simply be ground out. But as a councillor I have seen quite a few ground-down tree stumps, and never one coated in tarmac over a foot high.”

Cllr Allcott and Cllr Holmes will be visiting the site this week to look at the situation further and raise their concerns with Highways.

Cllr Allcott added:

“A huge thank you to Cllr Holmes for calling me to the site. I am 5'2" and Karen is 5'6", but I think the photograph speaks for itself.”

The councillors say they have encountered situations where tree roots have subsequently pushed up or distorted newly laid tarmac, but neither says they have previously encountered a solution like the one used on Park Avenue.

Cllr Holmes said:

“Residents raised this issue a long time ago because they wanted the tree dealt with. If the stump cannot be removed because of the utilities underneath it, then a proper solution needs to be found that is safe and practical for residents using the pavement.”