Planting scheme is the first project funded by Leader’s Priority Budget
East Hampshire District Council leader, Cllr Richard Millard, has announced he will dedicate money from his new Leader Priority Budget to plant and maintain trees in the centre of Petersfield.
The new trees will be planted in central car park as part of work to keep the area looking welcoming and attractive.
In total eight new trees, including cherry, maple and hawthorn trees, will be planted around the car park, alongside various works to improve and maintain existing trees and plants on the site.
They will replace dying and dead trees that have recently been removed from the car park.
The project will be the first to be supported by Cllr Millard’s Leader Priority Budget, a fund of £150,000 launched this year to support projects across East Hampshire.
Cllr Millard said: “This year I am excited to be able to call on the Leader Priority Budget to support schemes that will make a difference to the lives of residents around the district.
“We have heard the calls from local people in Petersfield that they wanted more trees in central car park after the unhealthy ones were taken away.
"These beautiful new trees will provide shade for our shoppers and habitats for our wildlife and will turn one of the town’s busiest gateways into a greener more attractive space.
“This is the first of the schemes supported by my Leader Priority Budget and I hope it will be one of many that provide a lasting legacy across East Hampshire.”
The scheme will also include general maintenance of existing trees. The new species have been chosen for their suitability for the conditions and their ornamental value.
Tiger mulch and root guards will be used and replace existing grates which are less likely to cause trip hazards.
Work is expected to take place during April and May and be completed by Foremost Tree Surgeons.