A COMMUNITY outcry has saved three trees in a park next to Bayswater Primary School.
The trees were scheduled to be cut down on February 29 until protests from the P&C committees of St Columba’s and Bayswater primary schools, along with support from MPs Alison Xamon and Lisa Baker, forced the Education Department to change its plan.
It believed the trees were dangerous, with concern the biggest was impacting on the retaining wall of an adjacent walkway.
At a meeting with stakeholders last Monday night, the department confirmed all three trees, estimated to be 80 years old, would be saved.
Originally it was planned to replace the biggest tree with two species native to Bayswater.
However, the department will leave it for at least another 12 months, with Bayswater PS given responsibility to monitor the situation.
Ms Xamon, who has two children at the school, said the outcome was the best possible for all parties.
“We’ve saved three trees that were going to be cut down, and we’re really happy about that, especially that big tree in the middle,” she said.
“If there is an issue with that retaining wall, then we’ve made the best effort to save it.”