A Dacorum Borough Council proposal to improve Canal Fields in Berkhamsted came under fire at a meeting of Berkhamsted Town Council
on Monday, September 29.

Councillors, while accepting an improvement in principle, slammed the design put forward.

Borough councillor Bert Chapman, portfolio holder for environment and sustainability, spoke at the meeting about the plans, which would
include a picnic area and new path.

He said the scheme was part of a continuous development of the site, which was recently given the national excellence award - Green Flag Status.

However, Berkhamsted councillors were against the proposed route of the path and the loss of a sycamore tree, which Cllr Chapman said had to come down for health and safety reasons because people keep reversing
into it.

Councillor Peter Matthews described the potential loss of the tree as 'absolute nonsense'.

"I am delighted this tree is taking its revenge on idiot drivers who cannot drive a car.

"How can you look out the back and not see a great big tree.

"What happens if you don't see a child behind there," he
said.

Cllr Malcolm Allen added: "The whole thing will look awful and we are against cutting down of trees.

"If we asked all the people in Berkhamsted what they know about Green Flag Status they wouldn't know what it is, if you said we would cut
down a good tree they would be up in arms."

In response Cllr Chapman said: "I take advice from experts.

"We are talking about one tree.

"I have been to the rainforest and seen devastation, this
is just one tree."

After a heated debate councillors agreed they welcomed the improvements in principle and part of pathway, but called for more consultation.

It was also suggested that changes to the plan could save money that could be used to improve trees in Berkhamsted.