Bolton: 'Absolutely no plans' to build on Morris Green Park

This comes after people in the Hulton area raised alarm after several ash trees were felled on Morris Green Park, which they feared could have been to make way for building developments.

But Bolton Council cabinet member for the environment Cllr Richard Silvester has assured them this is not the case and that the trees were in fact removed because of concerns about disease.

Cllr Silvester said: “It was recently necessary to fell and remove Ash trees in Morris Green Park because of Ash Dieback disease following inspections by qualified tree officers.

“Unfortunately, many Ash trees around the Borough have had to be felled and removed and it is certainly sad when this occurs, however it has to be done to try and stop the spread of the disease and from a public safety perspective as tree branches can fall off trees with the disease.

Trees have recently been felled on Morris Green Park (Image: Google Maps)

“We hope to replace all of the trees which have been felled in Morris Green Park in due course.

“The present tree planting season is already underway, being carried out on sites by City of Trees with already agreed funding from Urban Tree Challenge and awarded on that basis. 

“We are hoping for a similar level of investment in 2024/25 to partially mitigate the loss of mature trees across the Borough and Morris Green Park has been identified as a priority.”

Morris Green Park has long been a popular focal point for families and walkers in the area and recent campaigns have looked at the possibility of erecting a war memorial there.

Cllr Silvester has said that not only will the space be protected from building, but he hopes to make sure the same will apply at parks all over the borough.

He said: “Can I also assure residents that there are absolutely no plans to build on Morris Green Park.

“Indeed, as Executive Cabinet Member responsible for all parks in the Borough, I would be completely opposed to that.

“It is actually quite the opposite and my officers under my direction, and through a Policy Development Group are currently working with the Fields in Trust charity to protect all parks in the Borough through a Deed of Perpetuity process.

“Parks across the borough will all receive such legal protection which will occur via this exercise with several parks being put forward together in tranches for protection.”

The area’s representatives say they hope people will now be reassured about the future of the park.

Cllr Derek Bullock, of Hulton, said: “After being informed of the necessary felling of mature trees in Morris Green Park due to ash dieback, I informed Morris Green residents of what was about to happen at the park, and many were very upset and worried about the future of the park and if replacement trees would be planted.

“I am re-assured by Cllr Silvester’s statement and his commitment to both protecting the park and the planting of replacement trees in the park next year.”