Tree cut down for ice rink to be replaced

New trees will be planted months after a cherry tree was controversially cut down to make way for a Christmas ice rink.

Seventa Events opened the rink in November in Bournemouth's Lower Garden, despite not receiving approval from planning officers who were concerned after the cherry tree was felled without permission.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Councillor Andy Hadley told a local authority meeting on 22 July that the tree was removed by the council's park operations team as it was "not thriving".

He confirmed Seventa Events, who runs the annual Christmas in Bournemouth event, will fund the planting of six new trees in the park this autumn.

The replacement trees include a Great White Cherry, Cherry Blossom Kanzan, Liquid Amber Sweet Gum, Field Maple, and Paperback Maple.

Residents asked the council for assurances that future events would learn from past issues and explore alternative locations.

Councillor Richard Herrett said: "I would like to reassure you that regular communication takes place with the operators including a debrief after each year's event and there are currently no unmet restoration commitments outstanding.

"The council is always open to hearing from local business regarding potential partnerships and any opportunities that arise will go through relevant procurement processes to ensure we are meeting our statutory regulations."