Villager’s plea to spare historic trees at Patney (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Villager’s plea to spare historic trees at Patney

7:00am Friday 4th June 2010 in News By Lewis Cowen

Derek and Jean Underwood, Christine Digman and Steve King with dog Henry with the trees planted by German POWs

An appeal has been made to spare two pine trees planted in Patney by German prisoners of war during the Second World War.

Derek Underwood, who lives in the village near Devizes, is incensed that Sarsen Housing Association is planning to remove the two Scots pines at Pucklands housing estate.

He said: “The prisoners lived in a Nissen hut where the houses are now and worked on the farms round about. They were very popular and some stayed and married local girls.

“There were four trees planted but two have already been felled for one reason or another. I can’t see what harm these trees are doing and they are historic.”

Mr Underwood obtained an e-mail sent by Nick Handley of Sarsen Housing Association outlining the case for chopping down the trees.

It read: “Sarsen wanted to remove the trees as a response to three complaints by residents living directly adjacent to them, concerning the dropping of branches and significant amounts of needles on their property, representing an ASB (anti-social behaviour) type-issue if you like.

“We also had reports that large vehicles struggle to make it round the bend due to the proximity of the trees to the road.

“We also have concerns that the tree roots are growing close to the surface of the road and cracking it which will probably have to be relaid in the not too distant future.”

Mr Handley suggested that the two trees should be replaced by three better-spaced examples. Consultation with neighbours is to be carried out shortly.

But Mr Underwood does not believe the case against the trees holds water.

He said: “It’s a bit like when they wanted to get rid of the trees in Devizes Market Place. They just made up an argument.”

He has asked his son Matt, a noted photographer and artist, to paint the trees and sell the work in aid of the charity Help for Heroes.

Mr Underwood said: “Matt’s work commands a good price. If the trees have to come down at least we can make some good out of it.”

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