A PLANTING of trees at Moffat’s Annanside have proved controversial.
But the resident who planted them has expressed no regrets.
Roy Anderton-Tyres planted a number of young trees at the northern end of the old school playing fields, which is owned by Dumfries and Galloway Council. But he did so without permission.
Roy has stated that his planting was ‘in the spirit’ of previous plans to propagate the area.
He said: “There was a plan a few years ago to plant a number of tress at the Annanside, and the plan was supported by the council. It was then put to the community but there was some opposition and the idea was shelved.
“I walk that area like many people in Moffat, sometimes a couple times a day. I had grown some trees in my allotment and thought why not pop these up the end that’s not in use.
“It wouldn’t be a dense planting but it would be in the spirit of what was proposed to Dumfries and Galloway Council.”
Now Roy is seeking support from Moffat District Community Council (MDCC) after being instructed to remove the trees by council officers or risk facing legal action and be invoiced for the trees removal.
Roy continued: “The whole thing is bit bemusing.
“I’ve now been contacted by the council that I shouldn’t have planted anything on council land without permission and she has instructed me to remove the trees or the council will dig them up, take them away and invoice me for the work.
“I thought it was better to beg forgiveness than ask permission, and several people have told me that it looks great. The only person I’ve spoken to who has a problem with is one council employee.”
Weighing in on the situation a spokesperson for MDCC said: “There has been some debate over a considerable period of time, about the planting of trees on Annanside.
“However, we are clear, as were all involved, that the community council has no authority whatsoever regarding the Annanside area, whatever actions are taken there are under the authority and the responsibility of Dumfries and Galloway Council, until such time as there is a Community Asset Transfer for the Uppers completed.
“We have had limited contact with the council regarding the recent planting, to the extent we informed them we did not object when the original plans were indicated to us.
“The community council has noted the recent planting of trees, and the circumstances under which they are planted, which has not followed the regular normal procedure.
“If the limited planting is an issue for the community, it can be raised and discussed at the next community council meeting on Tuesday May 27 at 7 pm in the Town Hall.”
Dumfries and Galloway Council was contacted for comment.
