Removal of a mature willow tree in Ely will take place next week, on Wednesday 22^nd June, to ensure the area remains safe to the public.  

The Willow tree (tree number 2183, highlighted on the site plan) is situated near the corner of Lavenders Land, on the edge of the Riverside footpath, off Willow Walk.

After recent inspections, it has been found that the main stem of the tree is badly decayed, rotten and deteriorating rapidly, and in the interests of public safety, must be felled.

It is anticipated that the tree surgery company contracted to complete the work will arrive and begin setting up around 8am. Felling should be completed within the day and it should cause minimal disruption.

A full risk assessment has been carried out, and site notices are in the process of being erected in order to notify the public.

To protect passers-by who use the popular footpath located alongside the tree, barriers will put in place by the contractors to prevent members of the public from entering the area whilst work is taking place, and they will instead be guided round.

Riverside officers have been contacted regarding the tree, which hangs over two mooring points, meaning they will be temporarily out of use. Once again, a public notice is being used to forewarn those this might affect.

A new replacement tree will be planted in the next planting season, December 2016 to February 2017.