Sir, Inscape: This is the term coined by the great 19th century poet, Gerard Manley Hopkins, for the unique individuality of every living thing. One tree could not replace another, a crab apple could not replace one of the glorious pink horsechestnuts that line South Parade if they were to be felled. Indeed, another horsechestnut could not replace any one of those trees in this view of inscape. Hopkins was distressed when a group of poplars outside Oxford were felled and wrote his famous poem 'Binsey Poplars' by way of memorial for them. While I appreciate the concerns Mr. Tipton has raised about the roots of our horsechestnuts penetrating the roadway and the wall, it would be with great sadness that I would see this group of trees felled, if that was to be their fate. In this modern scientific age, is there no way of cauterising the roots so they can spread no further? Many British towns have trees in their centres. For all its charm and beauty, the horsechestnuts are the only trees in Tenby town centre. When the green leaves sprout after the long winter, it always lifts my heart and in Maytime the pink blossom of this particular genus is a joy to behold; they are my favourite group of trees. Don't forget, that in the long winter months, when their branches are bare, and the town still gets visitors, the walls can be easily seen. I would support Clr. Trevor Hallet when he points out that Tenby has 'the best of both world' with these trees - the shady areas to sit and the clear view of the walls at the Five Arches. Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane appears to have made a self-contradictory statement when she is reported to have said: "Nobody is going to cut the trees down, but we need to put a policy in place so when they are no longer able to stay there we can take action." If and when the horsechestnuts are no longer able to remain on South Parade, how will they be removed other than by felling? But I hope this never happens, we would lose something unique.
Anne-Ruth Alton,
3 Islay Court, Victoria Street, Tenby.