Marcus Ballard said residents were "very upset" by the destruction of the hedgerow. Picture: Tony Gay.

Residents ‘very upset’ after council destroy hedgerow in Wood Green

by Tim Lamden Wednesday, August 29, 2012
7:00 AM

Haringey Council has been forced to issue an apology for destroying a large area of hedgerow recently planted by a residents’ association.

Parkside Malvern Residents’ Association (PMRA) planted 150 hedgerow saplings beside Hornsey Park Road doctor’s surgery, at the junction with Turnpike Lane, Wood Green, around a year-and-a-half ago.

But the group were horrified to find all but two of the saplings had been mowed down by council workers in the lead up to the Olympic Torch Relay last month.

Marcus Ballard, chairman of PMRA, said: “We were very upset of course, but who wouldn’t be? The council have accepted that it was a mistake and that it was probably done in haste ahead of the Olympic Torch Relay.”

A council spokesman said the grassy area beside the doctor’s surgery was “inspected, mowed and strimmed” as part of a review of open spaces ahead of the Torch relay.

But they insisted: “The majority of the hedgerow saplings were found to be dead and most had lost their protective sleeves. The saplings that appeared to be thriving were left, however these were few.”

The council have agreed to replace the plants in early to mid-September in anticipation of the autumn months and PMRA will be hosting a community day for those who planted the original saplings.

The council spokeswoman added: “We are sorry for any anxiety that has been caused and we hope to maintain the very constructive working relationship we’ve had with Parkside Malvern Residents Association to date.”