Government has no money to look into West End tree issue

Department officials were responding to concerns raised about the issue, which also affects residents in the Elmwood Terrace area.

Sinn Fein Councillor Colly Kelly said that residents in the area have raised concerns with him over the greenery.

The Department for Regional Development/ Transport NI recently confirmed that they own the land where the trees are located.

However, in recent correspondence a representative said that with regret they will not be cutting the trees in question at this time.”

The reasoning given for this was two-fold: Bird nesting seasons has started and it is an offence to cut trees and hedges from March through to September and a very tight budget with “money not available to carry out such works.”

Councillor Colly Kelly said: “I was contacted by residents who asked for the large trees there to be cut back .

“The trees have grown to a considerable height and in some cases dwarfing the homes in West End Park causing light and viewing issues.

“I would ask Transport NI to look at this decision again, particularly before the onset off the winter months.”