Sacrificing trees is a shame – but flooded city is worse
Last updated 11:20, Friday, 12 September 2008
I can well understand why members of Friends of the Earth are dismayed by the sight of old and beautiful trees being chopped down in Carlisle’s Bitts Park (The Cumberland News, September 5).
Before retirement, I was employed as a social worker in the city, and based on the fourth floor of the Civic Centre.
It was a very stressful job, and on bad days I used to look out of the window and gaze at the trees and shrubs opposite on the edge of Bitts Park.
Just a brief glance at this wonderful slice of nature in the midst of a busy town was somehow strangely comforting.
However, it has to be acknowledged that effective flood defences are more important than trees.
Moreover, I’m sure that the new trees which are planted as replacements will, in time, come to look just as attractive as the ones that have had to come down.
The people who work in the Carlisle parks have a very good and long-standing reputation for creating areas of beauty.
ALISON THOMPSON
Evening Hill
Thursby
