Welwyn Garden City poplars future in your hands

THE future landscaping options for car parks in a WGC beauty spot is in the public's hands.

Welwyn Hatfield Council's task and finish working group agreed last Monday three re-planting options for Stanborough Park.

For one month, until August 7, residents are invited to submit views on the replanting preferences for the south and north car parks.

For the south car park, where 195 Lombardy poplar trees were felled in November amid health and safety fears, the replanting options are:

* To fill the space with totally ornamental exotic species (eg pin oak and yoshino cherry) or a mixed scheme with a selection of native wide crowned trees (eg oak, hornbeam and birch), interspersed with Lombardy poplars.

Management and replanting options for the north car park's remaining 428 Lombardy poplar trees are:

* Management: Phased felling in either three blocks (one block every five years starting in 2010) or two blocks (at five year intervals), or fell all the trees in one operation.

* Replanting: The same trees as south car park so the two areas reflect one cohesive area at Stanborough Park or a different scheme so that the car park has its own character.

Councillor Helen Bromley, the working group's chairman, said: "It is important we hear the views of the public so we can make the most appropriate and informed decision about the future landscaping of the area."

The working group will agree the final recommendations in August to put forward to the environment overview and scrutiny committee on September 10.

Planting is then planned to commence over the winter months.

To make an informed decision about the future of the site residents can make their views known at: Welwyn Hatfield Council, Campus West Library, Stanborough Park reception or at www.welhat.gov.u