Tree removal at park to protect safety

A group of large pine trees in an Auckland park are to be felled to protect the public.

Arborists have examined the pine trees in Craigavon Park at the Blockhouse Bay reserve and have identified 42 that pose a potential risk.

The 50-year-old trees are in decline and may fall or lose branches presenting a danger to nearby power lines, roads and members of the public using the park, Auckland City Council said.

Blake Hunton at the council said: "We need to remove these pines because we've already had instances in which branches have snapped and caused problems with nearby power lines. It's important that we act now to make the area safe.

Auckland City has a resource consent for the tree removal and Treecare Services will carry out the works between Monday 28 November and Friday 2 December.

The westbound lane of Kinross Street will be closed for the duration of the works to allow a large crane to be used to remove the trees.

A traffic management plan will be in place and westbound traffic will be diverted along Endeavour Street, Armagh Road and Connell Street and Connaught Street.

Motorists travelling into the city will still be able to use Kinross Street.

Blake Hunton at the council said: "We will replant this area with native trees and that will encourage the growth of regenerating native bush in the reserve. It will also further support native birds and other wildlife in the area."

The re-planting programme will take place before June 2006.

- HERALD ONLINE STAFF