Historic trees that have lined an Aberdeen street for generations are being chopped down after contracting a deadly disease.
Residents of Osbourne Place, in the city’s west end, were “horrified” to find council works cutting away at the iconic golden English elm trees.
So beloved are the plants, first installed in the 1936, that a plaque was erected reading “nationally these trees are very rare because of Dutch elm disease”.
Last night council chiefs said the disease, which is spread by beetles, had reached Aberdeen after devastating elms throughout England.
Distressed residents, however, complained of a lack of warning that the work was to be carried out and a number stood in the street yesterday to quiz council bosses.
Anna Ingold said: “It is worrying because they are such a part of the street and it would be horrible to lose them”, while Norma Russell said: “We were given no warning that this was coming.”
Another resident, who did not want to be named, said that the trees were a major factor in him moving to the street and he was “horrified” by the work.
Local independent councillor Jennifer Stewart said she sympathised with local people but stressed the work had to take place.
“I can understand the concerns of residents but it is important the disease isn’t allowed to spread,” she said.
Council operations vice convener Philip Bell said: “Due to Dutch Elm disease, some trees on Osborne Place have been cut down and others have been severely cut back in case there is a chance they might be saved.
“Residents should be aware, however, it is likely these trees will not be saved and may have to be cut down.
“Other pruning work was carried out on other trees in the street at the same time.
“The elms on Osborne Place are cut back to keep them in a smaller shape as, left unchecked, elms can reach as high about 25 to 30 metres and a spread of 15 metres. This pruning work is carried out every few years.”
He added: “Our tree officers have been on the street three times already this year to fell diseased trees. The whole operation became urgent due to the spread of the disease.
“The city council does not need a permit for emergency works such as cutting down of trees due to Dutch Elm disease but our policies are designed to keep trees wherever possible.”
