TREE-lined streets are under threat, according to Harrogate's Liberal Democrat councillors who have been told they cannot afford to replace the trees they cut down.
Coun Geoff Webber (Lib Dem, Saltergate) said the council's spending freeze meant it would not be able to continue its two-for-one replacement scheme as in previous years.
He claims the council may not even be able to guarantee a like-for-like sche
me for felled trees.
But Harrogate Council said it has already well exceeded its replacement figures over the past three years, and is working within its budget.
LeafyCoun Webber said: "The leafy nature of Harrogate is about to change as the Tory council cuts back on tree planting.
"Plans to replace each tree felled with two new ones have been dropped and it is unlikely that even those trees that have to be felled for safety reasons will be replaced."
In a letter sent to councillors from the council's arboricultiral officer Paul Casey last month, Mr Casey claims the town's leafy tree cover could be affected.
The memo said: "Unavailable funds to undertake any significant tree planting schemes in 2008/09 will result in the council now not meeting its strategy targets of two-for-one replacement planting figures for this period.
Replacement"Further, it is highly unlikely that we will achieve a like-for-like tree replacement planting figure for this year.
"That of course may have an impact upon areas renowned for their leafy tree cover."
But this week a council spokesman said the council fully appreciates the many benefits of planting, managing and retaining trees within the local landscape, and that it has in place a comprehensive tree management policy.
10,000 treesHe said: "The council has well exceeded its three-year policy for planting two-for-one. For instance last year, 30 trees were removed but 160 were planted.
"Added to that, between 2,000 and 4,000 tree whips are planted annually as part of its woodland strategy and in April this year a further 10,000 trees were planted at Iron Gates Field by the Harrogate International Centre.
"As the council has well exceeded its replacement figures already, it has been decided that funding in the short term will be used to carry out work to remove tree stumps."
