Waltham De-Forest Council

Many local streets have been left sweltering in the heat as Waltham Forest Council continues to pollard trees out of season.

Pollarding, where a tree is cut right back, is normally done in autumn and winter but council carelessness has meant that the work has been carried out during the recent heatwaves.

Pollarding during hot weather can seriously stress trees and impact their long-term health. It also deprives residents of much-needed shade, raising temperatures in local streets.

Local Liberal Democrat campaigner Naomi McCarthy said, “Grove Green is becoming less green. Not only is the council failing to replace many of the trees it has removed, but it is risking the death of trees that are still standing.”