LOCAL MP Nick Raynsford has criticised Transport for London for deciding to buy foreign trees to be planted near the Blackwall Tunnel.
The trees are due to be planted to the rear of properties in Tunnel Avenue but Raynsford says the decision to buy them from Germany has caused the planting to be delayed until late January 2012.
Mr Raynsford commented:
“While I welcome planting of trees to shield residents of Tunnel Avenue from the noise and traffic fumes of the A102, why couldn’t TFL have bought British saplings from a homegrown tree nursery? Boris Johnson is encouraging people to ‘buy local’ to help London’s economy recover from the recession. But it seems he cannot even persuade TFL – for which he is responsible – to buy British trees.
The Greenwich and Woolwich MP added that there “many excellent tree nurseries in and around London”, citing in particular the Meantime Nursery although that is soon to be turned into an up-market “glamping” site. He added:
“I can’t understand why TFL needs to go to Germany to buy trees. At the new Olympic Park, most of the trees being planted are British-grown, and I hope TFL can take a leaf out of their book in future.”
TFL defended their decision, however, saying that they couldn’t source the right quantity of the size required in the UK.
Leon Daniels, Managing Director Surface Transport said: “The majority of trees that we plant are sourced locally within the UK, mostly in the South East region. However, as we were unable to find any nurseries within the UK who had the quantity of 6 metre tall trees required, we’ve had to source them from Germany. The sizes of the trees are important as they will provide a screen between the residents’ gardens of Tunnel Avenue and the A102.
“The trees are being planted along the Blackwall Tunnel approach as they can trap harmful particulate matter (PM10) which comes from road transport, to prevent dust particles becoming airborne.”
TFL plans to plant 27 Western Red Cedars alongside the A102.
Indigo says
For 2012 LOCOG is having to buy in portaloos from Continental Europe.
I look forward to hearing what Nick Raynsford’s comments are about that – LOCOG should buy British portaloos, eh, Nick?
For Mr Raynsford, LOCOG can do no wrong. Even when they are wrong: such as selling 35,000 more tickets to the cross-country day than the maximum safe capacity of the Park (independently assessed).
I happen to know that Greenwich Council is very sensibly trying to plant drought-resistant street trees. Perhaps the Olympic Park is not bothered about planting drought-resistant trees. And perhaps Britain doesn’t have enough tree nurseries growing drought-resistant street trees. Can’t be much demand for them from private buyers, normally.
MARY says
Its what happens after No.98 which has been exercising me for some time – first of all finding out who is reponsible for it and what, if anything is going to be done. Not quite there yet – after several months – but working on it. However research has revealed other pockets of TfL ownership here and there in the area. I got quite excited the other day when I saw their workers and equipment further down in Blackwall Lane – but lots of weeds are still growing away on what I rather suspect are their patches. Foreign trees or whatever – TfL – what about the English weeds????