Street's troublesome oaks cut back

Work began yesterday on Cooper St's oak trees which should put residents' concerns at ease.

Masterton District Council unanimously agreed in April to thin and cut back the lower branches of eight huge, mature oak trees, in Cooper St.

The total cost of the work is $7496 or $937 a tree.

Street residents previously told Wairarapa Times-Age the trees had made life extremely difficult for them.

"When the leaves are falling we are raking them up twice a day, it's a huge job," said one resident, who did not wish to be identified. Residents also used red paint to mark out dangerous areas where the footpath had been lifted by roots.

The council surveyed the residents, and said that, while the majority wanted the trees cut down, it believed the problems could be addressed with a reduction in canopy.

In April, Masterton mayor Garry Daniell proposed the trees be thinned and all councillors backed his proposal.

The remedial work, is expected to be completed by the end of this week.