Powys promises to improve communications after tree felling fiasco

Ahead of a public meeting called to demand answers as to why a mature Welshpool woodland was torn down this summer, Powys County Council has explained the situation it faced and has vowed to improve its communications with the public in future.

The Friday 6pm meeting at the Cowshacc has been organised by angry residents and nature lovers who have witnessed the destruction of scores of trees over the past six weeks at the Bull Dingle, close to Borfa Green.

But this afternoon, Powys has responded to our request for a thorough explanation as to why this has happened following mounting pressure from our readers.

Here, in the interest of transparency, we have carried the full release from Powys County Council:

Tree felling was needed at a popular Welshpool woodland to protect public safety and property, Powys County Council has said.

The council is responding to concerns raised by residents following the removal of a significant number of trees at Bull Dingle, Welshpool. The works were carried out following extensive assessments which confirmed that many of the trees were affected by ash dieback – a serious fungal disease that weakens trees, making them brittle and at risk of falling.

A culvert running through Bull Dingle had previously been blocked by a fallen tree, causing localised flooding. These combined risks posed a threat to public safety, nearby properties, and local infrastructure.

Originally, the works were scheduled for late 2024 or early 2025. However, Scottish Power was unable to accommodate the initial timetable due to the complexity of maintaining power supply with minimal disruption. As a result, the schedule was extended to the summer, which may have meant works being undertaken at the end of the nesting season for birds.

The council’s Senior Ecologist confirmed that the tree surveyed at Dingle Bull lacked features for bat roosting.

The safety concerns posed by the trees and the need to ensure uninterrupted power were major considerations in the decision to progress the works this summer. All extensions of time were agreed and signed off by all registered bodies associated with this work.

A spokesperson for Powys County Council said: “The decision to remove the trees was not taken lightly. The safety of residents and visitors is our top priority, and the presence of ash dieback and previous flooding incidents made intervention essential.

“We acknowledge the strength of feeling in the community and the distress caused by the timing and scale of the works. Properties adjacent to Bull Dingle were notified in advance, and the local county councillor was informed and engaged throughout the process.

“Looking ahead, we are committed to improving communication and engagement with residents. A review of engagement processes is underway to ensure communities feel better informed and involved in decisions affecting their local environment.

“We are also exploring opportunities for replanting and ecological restoration in Bull Dingle and will work with local stakeholders to ensure future plans reflect the community’s environmental values.

“We thank residents for their patience and understanding during this difficult but necessary intervention,” the spokesperson said.