Resident Alan Willett admires the monkey puzzle tree
PASSERS-BY could be forgiven for thinking a metal cage erected around a tree is there to protect it from vandals.
But the cage - complete with a lock - is in fact there to protect youngsters from the plant.
The sapling has sharp leaves which could, if brushed past hard enough, pierce the skin.
The monkey puzzle tree, planted as a central feature of Morris Green Park, marks the completion of a refurbishment of the open area.
Local resident Alan Willett, aged 59, of Morris Green Lane, said: "At first it looks as if this cage represents a sign of the times and it was put there to stop vandals from destroying the tree.
"But I am pleased to know that the cage is not being used to protect the tree from vandals.
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"The park is back to how it used to be and is well used by mums and their toddlers. So it does make sense to have the cage there."
A Bolton Council spokesman said that the use of the metal cage was a "one-off".
He said: "The protection is both for the tree, from flying footballs and so on, but also to protect youngsters from the quite sharp scaly leaves until the tree is large enough to be more obvious as a feature in the grassy area in which it stands."
The beauty spot was given a £63,000 makeover more than 18 months ago.
It has been restored, landscaped and given an updated drainage system, new kerbs and a new perimeter fence with ornamental gates.
The funding came from the Heaton and Lostock and Hulton Area Forum, Great Lever Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, Bolton Council's Greenspace Management Team, and the Government's Living Spaces programme.
I want some compensation from Bolton Council.
Heaven knows what mental scars I am carrying with me from a childhood full of nettle stings, bee stings, knees skinned on sharp trees, dirt in my eye and that worm which could have been poisonous - although it was delicious at the time.
Pay up Bolton Council. You failed to protect me from the trauma of a normal childhood.
I want some compensation from Bolton Council.
Heaven knows what mental scars I am carrying with me from a childhood full of nettle stings, bee stings, knees skinned on sharp trees, dirt in my eye and that worm which could have been poisonous - although it was delicious at the time.
Pay up Bolton Council. You failed to protect me from the trauma of a normal childhood.
Why the hell did they plant it in the first place if it's dangerous? Rather than charging the taxpayer to erect a ridiculous fence around it, why not rip it up and put a normal tree in its place?!
Why the hell did they plant it in the first place if it's dangerous? Rather than charging the taxpayer to erect a ridiculous fence around it, why not rip it up and put a normal tree in its place?!
Posted by: jeh2811, cornwall on 2:21pm Thu 8 May 08
[quote][bold]Toby[/bold] wrote:
Well done BEN. No doubt every thug and yob in Morris Green will see this as some sort of challenge. Let's hope the tree survives the weekend.[/quote] Toby Toby Toby I say by home time and before tea that tree will have been vandalised Kids LOVE a CHALLENGE!!
Toby wrote:
Well done BEN. No doubt every thug and yob in Morris Green will see this as some sort of challenge. Let's hope the tree survives the weekend.
Toby Toby Toby I say by home time and before tea that tree will have been vandalised Kids LOVE a CHALLENGE!!
Surely a tree native to this country would have been far more appropriate, we have some magnificent trees that would encourage wildlife. Who ever heard of a bird nesting in a monkey puzzle tree?
Surely a tree native to this country would have been far more appropriate, we have some magnificent trees that would encourage wildlife. Who ever heard of a bird nesting in a monkey puzzle tree?
Posted by: RagReader, Horwich on 8:15pm Thu 8 May 08
[quote][bold]tosh[/bold] wrote:
Surely a tree native to this country would have been far more appropriate, we have some magnificent trees that would encourage wildlife. Who ever heard of a bird nesting in a monkey puzzle tree?[/quote] Great idea, there are lots of native trees that need preserving.
tosh wrote:
Surely a tree native to this country would have been far more appropriate, we have some magnificent trees that would encourage wildlife. Who ever heard of a bird nesting in a monkey puzzle tree?
Great idea, there are lots of native trees that need preserving.
[quote][bold]chas[/bold] wrote:
Any kid climbing over the cage and touching the tree would feel a ****.[/quote] I cannot use the word that means piercing the skin.
chas wrote:
Any kid climbing over the cage and touching the tree would feel a ****.
I cannot use the word that means piercing the skin.
Seriously, do you lot really think the thug-youth of Bolton sits at home reading the Bolton News, getting ideas on how to get their kicks?
"I'm bored"
"Hang on Charlie, have you seen this article..."
Seriously, do you lot really think the thug-youth of Bolton sits at home reading the Bolton News, getting ideas on how to get their kicks?
"I'm bored"
"Hang on Charlie, have you seen this article..."
Posted by: RagReader, Horwich on 12:23am Fri 9 May 08
[quote][bold]chas[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]chas[/bold] wrote: Any kid climbing over the cage and touching the tree would feel a ****.[/quote] I cannot use the word that means piercing the skin.[/quote] Injection?
chas wrote:
chas wrote: Any kid climbing over the cage and touching the tree would feel a ****.
I cannot use the word that means piercing the skin.
Posted by: a.voiceofreason, Bolton on 8:05am Fri 9 May 08
Contract killers the world over will be out to get this tree!!!
Perhaps the council should put a 24 hour armed protection unit in the park!!! What councillor is prepared to put his name to this story! or has he already lost his/her seat!!!
Contract killers the world over will be out to get this tree!!!
Perhaps the council should put a 24 hour armed protection unit in the park!!! What councillor is prepared to put his name to this story! or has he already lost his/her seat!!!
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