By Carole Dennett
“Common sense” has prevailed in Lake after residents called up the IW Observer for help.
When beech trees planted by Island Roads died off a few years ago, the residents of the 13 bungalows in Deans Close clubbed together to buy four apple trees to replace them. It didn’t occur to them that they might need permission to take matters into their own hands; they just thought they were just doing the right thing.
The residents take great pride in looking after their little corner of the Island; they pick up any litter and keep the grass verges neatly trimmed, saving Island Roads a job.
You can imagine how upset they were when a “chap from Island Roads” appeared and told them their apple trees must go. No reason was given, apart from suggesting that people might slip on fallen fruit and sue the IW Council.
Island Roads had decided that the apple trees were to be replaced by beech trees – in line with the PFI roads contract. The residents thought beech trees would grow too tall, but were faced with a stark ultimatum. Remove the trees themselves within four weeks or face them being removed by Island Roads, a move they were told would cost £900.
Undeterred by warnings that contacting the press might upset the “powers that be”, one of them, Roy Jemson, decided that enough was enough. He called the IW Observer and asked for our help.
After raising the community’s pleas with Island Roads and council leader, Phil Jordan, early this week, yesterday afternoon (Thursday) we were able to pass on the news Deans Close residents had been hoping for. Despite contractual agreements in the PFI, Cllr Jordan will sign a waiver so that that they can keep their apple trees.
Roy said: “That’s wonderful news – and just in the nick of time. The four weeks is just coming to an end. I was going to dig out our trees this weekend.
“Nobody explained to us why somebody could sue the council for slipping on fruit but not for slipping on fallen leaves. It just seemed like a silly reason.
“We were all delighted when we got our first big apple last year. Elaine across the road cut it up in a little saucer and made sure everybody got a slice.
“I’m glad somebody’s got a bit of common sense. We’d all like to thank Cllr Jordan – and when our beautiful apple trees bear fruit later in the year, we’d like him to invite him to pop around for a cuppa and a slice of apple pie.”
Cllr Jordan thanked the IW Observer for helping bring this important issue for the residents to his attention.
“I am determined that petty bureaucracy is not going to blight our Island in this way. I have made it absolutely clear that the apple trees are going to stay right where they are, and I want the residents in Deans Close to be able to nurture and enjoy their apple trees. Why ever not? I will ensure any waiver needed is issued to assure this outcome. And I shall be visiting Dean Close at harvest time to celebrate the growing of these apples with the residents.”
“Contacting the IW Observer was the right decision,” added Roy. “It’s great to have a local paper that’s willing to stand up for us.”