Contentious Portrush trees to be replanted

Last Thursday, Coleraine Borough Council workers removed the trees located between St Patrick’s Church and the town’s hockey pitch.

Back in May, we reported that Portrush residents questioned the need for the trees saying that they did nothing to detract from the eyesore of the half built apartment block.

DUP councillor Adrian McQuillan says he was contacted by a number of residents enquiring about the cost of the trees to the ratepayer.

He said: “I understand that the trees were funded by the DoE as part of the Portrush-Portstewart Intervention Programme, this is money that comes out of the public purse, so I hope that they are going to be used elsewhere in the area.

“However, I have heard that the trees are not fit to be replanted as they are in such bad condition.

“In this present climate every penny is precious, so I hope this is not the case.”

In a statement, Coleraine Borough Council confirmed that the trees would be replanted in locations around the Borough.

The statement said: “The trees were a temporary measure to help to mask the unsightly, unfinished apartment block.

“This worked to some degree but the trees have suffered in the saline environment and recent harsh weather conditions.

“They have been removed from Causeway Street and after a period of nurturing at Council’s Parks Nursery, the trees will be relocated to a number of Council’s outdoor recreation areas.”