Fury over copse desecration (From South Wales Argus)

Fury over copse desecration

3:24pm Thursday 21st March 2013 in Letters

AS A long-time frequent visitor to Pontypool Park who goes there to enjoy the natural surroundings and landscape, I am totally incandescent with anger at the wilful vandalism being carried out by Torfaen council in the cutting down of more than 20 trees in the hedged area situated behind the tennis courts. Mature, non-diseased trees (conifers, silver birches, a fantastic old horse chestnut etc) which formed a much-loved copse are being cut down and grubbed up to make way for a community apple orchard. I have no problems with the community orchard, but why can’t it be planted elsewhere, for example on the area that used to be the old putting green that fell out of use? To say I am upset and angry (like other park users) at this desecration doesn’t really come near to how I feel at this moment. It’s a disgrace. So much for sustainability and biodiversity!

Terry Banfield Cardigan Crescent Cwmbran