Why St Giles needs trees

• I AND my neighbours are appalled at the imminent felling of eight semi-mature established trees (mainly plane) in St Giles High Street. 

They are important as part of the setting of the tower of Flitcroft’s listed St Giles in the Fields church and as greenery in an area of open space deprivation.

The proposal is not only to remove semi-mature established trees but also to replace them with only a quarter of the previous number of 

trees. The purpose is in reality to benefit the predominantly commercial development on the north side of St Giles.

Insofar as there is a need for a bus stand then it could be on the other side of the road where a taxi stand is proposed for the benefit of the commercial development. Insofar as a taxi stand is needed there (which I do not accept) then it could be located to the south of most of the trees.

I hope that this is a hangover from the old Camden Conservative-Liberal Democrat administration. 

It is perhaps a test of the sincerity of its commitment to protection of the environment in the central area of Camden.

There has been no consultation. This will cause serious harm to the amenity of the local community and the setting of an important building. It will waste money that could have been spent on enhancement of the area.

ROBERT McCRACKEN QC
Camden Green Party