Outrage as every Leith Walk tree faces trams axe

Published on Tuesday 28 October 2008 08:56

ALMOST every tree on Leith Walk is set to be chopped down to make way for the trams.

Angry residents today claimed the street would be left a "concrete, stone and tarmac desert" once the work is completed.

TIE needs to chop down the existing line of 20-year-old trees in order to move utility pipes to make way for the tram lines, but it intends to replace them by planting trees in side streets around Leith Walk.

Tram chiefs said today they would plant two trees for every one felled across the city, but the plans for Leith Walk have sparked protests from residents.

Dr Calum MacKellar, a medical charity worker who has been a Leith Walk resident for more than 20 years, said: "It's important to make sure the quality of life of Leith Walk residents is not undermined by making the Walk something similar to a concrete, stone and tarmac desert.

"That is why the original trees were planted."

Dr MacKellar said he was convinced space could be found on the street to replace the "beautiful" trees that would be lost.

"Residents on Leith Walk were assured that any tree taken down would be replaced," he added.

TIE has said the few spaces available would not be appropriate for planting trees, as they would be in the middle of the pavement or next to lay-bys.

The tram stops, which will be in the middle of Leith Walk, are also unsuitable due to the amount of cabling underneath them.

Gordon Burgess, chairman of the Leith Walk Traders' Association, said: "It was our original impression that they were going to replace the trees they've knocked down in the same place, but if that is not the case then that is disappointing."

Other Leith Walk landmarks that are on the move because of the tram works include the cast iron clock at the top of Leith Walk and the bronze pigeons.

A spokesman for TIE said: "The construction will require all underground services to be moved towards the sides of the street.

"The need to maintain access to them will leave little scope to incorporate new tree pits."