Latest news with #JohnBartlett
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Residents 'angry' as large tree gets protection
Residents have said they feel "extremely angry" after a council voted unanimously to protect a controversial oak tree. Winchester City Council received an intention to fell the more than 40-year-old tree from neighbours who raised concerns that it could damage their properties. Speaking at a council planning meeting, the local authority's tree officer John Bartlett said there was "no evidence of actual damage being caused". The council approved a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), which legally protects it from damage or destruction. Mr Bartlett said it contributed meaningfully to local biodiversity and visual amenity, adding that its ecological and landscape value outweighed the reported nuisance issues. The oak, which is situated in a conservation area, is located in the garden of a home on Canon Street, close to Winchester Cathedral. Dr Sandra Steel lives in a home on the adjacent St Swithun Street and spoke for residents at the planning meeting. "The spreading roots cause structural damage," she said. Adding that "our historic houses are particularly vulnerable". Some of the properties on the road date back to the 17th Century and Ms Steel said there was evidence of "cracks in garden walls". She added that it was increasing the insurance of the local houses. Despite these claims the council approved the protection order and said further evidence would need to be provided to consider the felling of the tree. On hearing that verdict, Ms Steel said: "You are waiting for our houses to fall down I guess." Speaking after the meeting she said they all "feel extremely angry" and called it "quite ridiculous". "An oak tree belongs an open area or a forest, not in gardens of historic houses," Ms Steel added. At least nine residents raised concerns about the tree's proximity and size after they said it had grown by 6ft (1.8m) in the last year. They said that the height and mass of the tree combined with unpredictable weather patterns could lead to serious damage to properties or injury of residents. They argued that any sustainable management plan would require pruning on a five-year cycle, which is seen as an unfair and impractical burden on residents. The objectors added that the tree, which they claim blocks light and sheds a substantial amount of leaves and debris. Council said it is willing to accept further reductions to previous cut points on a 5–10 year cycle to improve light penetration to surrounding properties. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Pair guilty of cutting down Sycamore Gap tree Plymouth tree felling fiasco cost more than £3.3m Anger after dozens of trees felled along railway line Winchester City Council
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Winchester residents 'angry' as a large tree gets protection
Residents have said they feel "extremely angry" after a council voted unanimously to protect a controversial oak City Council received an intention to fell the more than 40-year-old tree from neighbours who raised concerns that it could damage their at a council planning meeting, the local authority's tree officer John Bartlett said there was "no evidence of actual damage being caused".The council approved a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), which legally protects it from damage or destruction. Mr Bartlett said it contributed meaningfully to local biodiversity and visual amenity, adding that its ecological and landscape value outweighed the reported nuisance oak, which is situated in a conservation area, is located in the garden of a home on Canon Street, close to Winchester Cathedral. Dr Sandra Steel lives in a home on the adjacent St Swithun Street and spoke for residents at the planning meeting."The spreading roots cause structural damage," she that "our historic houses are particularly vulnerable".Some of the properties on the road date back to the 17th Century and Ms Steel said there was evidence of "cracks in garden walls".She added that it was increasing the insurance of the local these claims the council approved the protection order and said further evidence would need to be provided to consider the felling of the hearing that verdict, Ms Steel said: "You are waiting for our houses to fall down I guess."Speaking after the meeting she said they all "feel extremely angry" and called it "quite ridiculous"."An oak tree belongs an open area or a forest, not in gardens of historic houses," Ms Steel added. At least nine residents raised concerns about the tree's proximity and size after they said it had grown by 6ft (1.8m) in the last said that the height and mass of the tree combined with unpredictable weather patterns could lead to serious damage to properties or injury of argued that any sustainable management plan would require pruning on a five-year cycle, which is seen as an unfair and impractical burden on objectors added that the tree, which they claim blocks light and sheds a substantial amount of leaves and said it is willing to accept further reductions to previous cut points on a 5–10 year cycle to improve light penetration to surrounding properties. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Best 4th in the North parade grand marshal named
TICONDEROGA — John Bartlett is the 2025 Grand Marshal for the Best 4th In The North Parade, the Ticonderoga Best 4th In The North Committee announced. Bartlett, of Ticonderoga, currently serves as a Ticonderoga Montcalm Street Partnership Board Member and Grants and Fundraising Coordinator. He also was the former TMSP Promotion Committee Chair, playing a major role in planning many beloved community events. Officials said Bartlett's impact extends further as a Kiwanis Club Member and Volunteer, StreetFest Volunteer, End of Winter Carnival Volunteer, FallFest Volunteer and Best 4th in the North Committee Volunteer. Bartlett is also the creator and coordinator of the Ticonderoga Area Back Pack Program, an initiative that continues to support local students and families. 'His dedication can be seen across countless organizations, projects, and events that make our town such a vibrant place to live and visit,' Debbie Barber, Best 4th In The North Committee Chairperson, said. He is 'the perfect choice for our 2025 Grand Marshal and a shining example of making a difference in your community. Ticonderoga is truly grateful for your commitment, which was evident by the overwhelming number of nominations submitted as well as detailed information on why each person was nominating you.' 2025 parade applications and guidelines are available and can be found at or picked up at the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce office located at 94 Montcalm St., Suite 1 in Downtown Ticonderoga. Last year's parade participants have been mailed a parade application, officials said. Parade participants are encouraged to register as early as possible for planning purposes. The committee is hoping to see floats and participation from local attractions, businesses, sports teams, clubs, organizations, committees and youth groups. There is no charge to participate in the parade, but all entries must pre-register, be family friendly and follow all parade guidelines. Updated parade participant guidelines and rules are included in the parade application. All parade participants must read and sign off on these rules as well as apply by the stated deadline of June 23. No exceptions will be made. The entrance for check in for the parade will take place as you enter Race Track Road at the Route 74 entrance. The Best 4th In the North Celebration attracts many visitors to the Ticonderoga Area, which supports local businesses and the local economy. A schedule for the 2025 celebration is being finalized by the committee and will be available to the public soon. The celebration will take place July 1-4 with a grand fireworks display, parade, Montcalm Mile organized by the LaChute Road Runners, music, food, vendors, games and more. The Town of Ticonderoga supports the celebration with $10,000. Donations in support of the committee's efforts are tax-deductible as the Ticonderoga Montcalm Street Partnership is a 501c3 Not-For Profit organization. The Best 4th in The North committee also needs more volunteers to help with the planning, fundraising and during the celebration. The committee typically meets at 4 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Chamber Office in Downtown Ticonderoga.
