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Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Future of tree facing the chop hangs in the balance
The future of an ancient oak tree hangs in the balance after councillors deferred a decision to fell it. The 16ft (18m) tree, which is more than 100 years old, was said to be the cause of subsidence at several properties in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, according to an engineer. But despite damage caused to his home, nearby resident Rob Selwyn was among those urging Thurrock Council to spare it the chop. The local authority's planning committee chose to delay a final decision on Thursday, saying it wanted more evidence before swinging the axe. Rooted in the grounds of a listed building on South Hill, the tree is protected by a preservation order. However, an engineer's report found it was causing "severe damage" to properties in Saffron Close, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Mr Selwyn said he preferred lopping the tree and installing a barrier over felling it. The 77-year-old's comments came despite cracks appearing both inside and outside his home. "I don't want to see it cut down," he said. "If it's lopped, that would take back the branches and curb its growth. "A metal barrier placed between my home and the roots of the tree would also help." The tree survived a previous bid to fell it eight years ago over concerns about subsidence. Thurrock Council's planning committee was told that if it did not act this time round, it could be liable for any damage. But Conservative ward councillor Barry Johnson said evidence of damage caused by the tree was not a "proven fact". More than 15 objections were also made against the tree's destruction. Betty Beaumont, who lives nearby, said the tree was a "landmark for the village". "When you're driving down from the flyover, you know you're home because you can see it, " she said. Her concerns were echoed by Gary Collins, landlord of The Bell pub, who said the village would be lost without it. He added: "There must be another way of solving the problem." In a report made by the council's planning officers, the tree was deemed a "fine specimen that provided a "high level of amenity in the village". However, the report concluded it must be axed. "In normal circumstances, its removal would not be permitted," the author wrote. "However, it is considered that it is likely that the tree is a contributory factor to the subsidence occurring at the property, and therefore its removal is justified." Planning committee councillors did not follow the recommendations and voted to delay the decision to get more evidence. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. 'Happy outcome' as 120-year-old tree gets reprieve Anger as 300-year-old oak trees set to be felled Felling 150-year-old tree 'hypocritical' says head Thurrock Council
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Future of tree facing the chop hangs in the balance
The future of an ancient oak tree hangs in the balance after councillors deferred a decision to fell it. The 16ft (18m) tree, which is more than 100 years old, was said to be the cause of subsidence at several properties in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, according to an engineer. But despite damage caused to his home, nearby resident Rob Selwyn was among those urging Thurrock Council to spare it the chop. The local authority's planning committee chose to delay a final decision on Thursday, saying it wanted more evidence before swinging the axe. Rooted in the grounds of a listed building on South Hill, the tree is protected by a preservation order. However, an engineer's report found it was causing "severe damage" to properties in Saffron Close, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Mr Selwyn said he preferred lopping the tree and installing a barrier over felling it. The 77-year-old's comments came despite cracks appearing both inside and outside his home. "I don't want to see it cut down," he said. "If it's lopped, that would take back the branches and curb its growth. "A metal barrier placed between my home and the roots of the tree would also help." The tree survived a previous bid to fell it eight years ago over concerns about subsidence. Thurrock Council's planning committee was told that if it did not act this time round, it could be liable for any damage. But Conservative ward councillor Barry Johnson said evidence of damage caused by the tree was not a "proven fact". More than 15 objections were also made against the tree's destruction. Betty Beaumont, who lives nearby, said the tree was a "landmark for the village". "When you're driving down from the flyover, you know you're home because you can see it, " she said. Her concerns were echoed by Gary Collins, landlord of The Bell pub, who said the village would be lost without it. He added: "There must be another way of solving the problem." In a report made by the council's planning officers, the tree was deemed a "fine specimen that provided a "high level of amenity in the village". However, the report concluded it must be axed. "In normal circumstances, its removal would not be permitted," the author wrote. "However, it is considered that it is likely that the tree is a contributory factor to the subsidence occurring at the property, and therefore its removal is justified." Planning committee councillors did not follow the recommendations and voted to delay the decision to get more evidence. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. 'Happy outcome' as 120-year-old tree gets reprieve Anger as 300-year-old oak trees set to be felled Felling 150-year-old tree 'hypocritical' says head Thurrock Council
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Yahoo
The best BCP pubs for a pint in the sunshine according to readers
The arrival of warmer weather in the summer is an ideal time to enjoy a pint in a sunny beer garden in the BCP area. With there being quite a few options to pick from in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, you want to pick something that has something a bit special about it. Therefore, we thought it might be best to ask Daily Echo readers for their recommendations. We put out a Facebook post asking the question, and here are the responses we received. More than 120 comments were left on the Facebook post, and a few establishments received multiple recommendations. One of those was The Bell over in Pokesdown, with one of those recommending it saying: "The Bell Pokesdown best boozer bar none". The pub's website describes it as a "thriving" community space, which offers "live music and sport, great drinks and an unbeatable atmosphere". Pubgoers seem to agree with that sentiment, as it has earned a 4.6/5 score on Tripadvisor from 40 reviews. The Bell had a few recommendations from readers (Image: The Bell/Tripadvisor) With a decent-sized beer garden, it's a good spot if you want to enjoy a pint in the sun. The Cliff pub and restaurant over in Canford Cliffs had a couple of comments in support of it. The large outdoor space there, no doubt, plays into that, and it has earned a 4.2/5 score on Tripadvisor from 2,034 reviews. The Cliff had a couple of recommendations from readers (Image: The Cliff/Tripadvisor) A few Christchurch pubs were recommended by some readers, including The Thomas Tripp. One person wrote: "Thomas Tripp Christchurch. Looking forward to the first Bank holiday weekend, sunshine, live music and Plum Porter." Meanwhile, The George was favoured by one reader who shared: "The George Christchurch, burger and a pint for a tenner." Finally, The Railway was highlighted in the town for its "great garden" which made it a "good sun trap". Recommended reading: Best pubs in Dorset and the New Forest for 'proper' food according to readers Square & Compass in Worth Matravers named as Dorset's best pub The best pubs in the BCP area for a pint of Guinness according to readers Meanwhile, one reader went for some more obscure option that no one else mentioned. They shared: "The Commodore at Southbourne or the Neptune bar Boscombe beach." Even with this being quite far away from BCP, the Square & Compass in Worth Matravers also got a fair few mentions.
The Herald Scotland
04-05-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Best BCP pubs for a pint in the sun according to readers
With there being quite a few options to pick from in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, you want to pick something that has something a bit special about it. Therefore, we thought it might be best to ask Daily Echo readers for their recommendations. We put out a Facebook post asking the question, and here are the responses we received. Best BCP pubs for a pint in the sun according to readers More than 120 comments were left on the Facebook post, and a few establishments received multiple recommendations. One of those was The Bell over in Pokesdown, with one of those recommending it saying: "The Bell Pokesdown best boozer bar none". The pub's website describes it as a "thriving" community space, which offers "live music and sport, great drinks and an unbeatable atmosphere". Pubgoers seem to agree with that sentiment, as it has earned a 4.6/5 score on Tripadvisor from 40 reviews. The Bell had a few recommendations from readers (Image: The Bell/Tripadvisor) With a decent-sized beer garden, it's a good spot if you want to enjoy a pint in the sun. The Cliff pub and restaurant over in Canford Cliffs had a couple of comments in support of it. The large outdoor space there, no doubt, plays into that, and it has earned a 4.2/5 score on Tripadvisor from 2,034 reviews. The Cliff had a couple of recommendations from readers (Image: The Cliff/Tripadvisor) A few Christchurch pubs were recommended by some readers, including The Thomas Tripp. One person wrote: "Thomas Tripp Christchurch. Looking forward to the first Bank holiday weekend, sunshine, live music and Plum Porter." Meanwhile, The George was favoured by one reader who shared: "The George Christchurch, burger and a pint for a tenner." Finally, The Railway was highlighted in the town for its "great garden" which made it a "good sun trap". Recommended reading: Meanwhile, one reader went for some more obscure option that no one else mentioned. They shared: "The Commodore at Southbourne or the Neptune bar Boscombe beach." Even with this being quite far away from BCP, the Square & Compass in Worth Matravers also got a fair few mentions.
Wales Online
02-05-2025
- Wales Online
Welsh pub that's made The Times' best posh hotel list
Welsh pub that's made The Times' best posh hotel list The Times' most recent list of 'the UK's best posh pubs to stay in' praised The Bell at Skenfrith as an inn "whose beds are as fabulous as their beer" The Bell at Skenfrith has been named one of the best posh hotels to stay in the UK (Image: Rob Besant ) A pub in Wales has been named one of the best poshest pubs in the UK. In The Times' most recent list of 't he UK's best posh pubs to stay in', The Bell at Skenfrith in Monmouthshire has been recommended as an inn "whose beds are as fabulous as their beer", according to the editor of the Good Hotel Guide, Jane Knight. The pub was listed alongside establishments in Aberdeenshire, Cumbria and Devon, amongst others. In the list, The Bell at Skenfrith, which is a 17th century coaching inn, is described as "more boutique hotel than bar". The review continues: "This 17th-century Welsh coaching inn makes a stylish base from which to explore the Monmouthshire countryside or for fishing on the River Monnow, beside which it stands. "The six circular walks that start at the Bell's front door include the four-mile Knights Templar Trail, which crosses the border to an English Knights Templar church. "Back at the pub there are local wines, beers and ciders on offer in the Monnow Bar followed by locally sourced food in the airy restaurant, while the rooms might feature a modern four-poster and river views." It comes after the pub was recently listed as one of the best beer gardens in the UK by lifestyle magazine TimeOut. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . Article continues below They named The Bell at Skenfrith was fifth on their list of the 12 best beer gardens, which described the "idyllic views over the valley". You can read more about this list here. Located in the picturesque village of Skenfrith, next to the ruins of a medieval castle and alongside the banks of the River Monnow, the inn is renowned for its award-winning restaurant, run by head chef Joseph Colman. The menu is changed on a regular basis to match with every season. According to its website, its current menu features peppered Brecon beef carpaccio, pan-fried black bream with samphire and roast Welsh lamb. The beer garden at The Bell at Skenfrith has recently been named one of the best by Time Out magazine (Image: The Bell at Skenfrith ) The restaurant also uses local suppliers and some of the vegetables even come from their own kitchen garden. Meanwhile, its hotel has 11 rooms, which are all "individually designed" bedroom that come with en suite bathrooms. And as mentioned in The Times review, the pub is situated in the perfect place for a country walk, with the pub itself creating six of their own guided walks in and around the Skenfrith area, named Circular Walks. These walks can take you across the border into England and back, and on a beautiful, clear night, the pub recommends that budding astronomers, sky scouts and galaxy watchers should head over to the area as the sky is "never diminished by orange light". Article continues below
