Concerns after tree falls across stream

Litter is accumulating in the Utuhina Stream after a tree was uprooted during last week's storm. Photo/Ben Fraser

Rotorua motels are calling for a tree that has fallen into the Utuhina Stream to be removed as a rubbish build-up is creating an "eyesore".

Debris and litter is accumulating near the Lake Rd bridge after heavy rain and strong winds last week uprooted a large tree which now lies from one side of the river to the other.

Red Rock Motel manager Sue Botha said they noticed it had fallen after the wet weather last Thursday.

"We would love to have it removed, we often tell guests that there is a stream behind us and they can walk along. There is usually fish there, but we haven't seen any since it fell and that rubbish has come from down the stream," she said.

"It's not good for the fish or stream or the environment and it's not something we want our guests to see, it is an eyesore," Mrs Botha said.

Utuhina Hot Springs Lodge owner Won Lee agreed.

"We had guests in their room who heard it crash down, it would have been about 2-3pm in the afternoon and gave them a bit of a scare," Mr Lee said.

"A similar situation happened about a year ago but the council was able to clean it up a couple of days later. It's just ugly with the rubbish and needs to go," he said.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council rivers and drainage manager Bruce Crabbe said they were aware of the issue.

"[We are] working to get that removed as soon as possible. We expect that the tree will be out in the next few days," he said.