I WOKE early yesterday morning and listened to the radio - somewhere between 5.30 and 6am so please forgive if the details of this scheme are a little sketchy.

Some inspired person at Birmingham City Council a while back came up with a scheme to afforest the city.

The council realised that this could not be achieved without the support of the populace and began with the schoolchildren and various bits of unused land.

Soon there were volunteers to help the children plant the trees and then residents and shopkeepers were recruited as new trees need watering for at least the first two years of their life.

And now Birmingham have trees in their streets and a linear forest plus bigger areas which are in ongoing development.

Could Kendal follow suit?

I am sure Birmingham would be pleased to help with initial outline planning.

We could start with that open grass near the river on New Road - why no trees?

And the market place where trees were cut down so that the birds couldn’t roost because they made a mess.

Followed by that wide expanse of pavement at the south end of the high street, with the odd bench to watch the passing traffic.

And what about inserting trees into the pavements along our pedestrian precinct?

Why does this area still have a road running through it?

I’m sure there must be a good reason but I cannot figure it out.

Other towns have proper pedestrian precincts, if they can manage it why not us?

And these trees should be planted - not put out in ugly black tubs.

And why is it not compulsory for developers to plant trees alongside the roads in their new estates?

I could go on, but you get the drift.

So come on town council, give us a boost so that when COVID 19 is dead and gone we have something to celebrate.

And don’t tell us that the roads are not your responsibility but that of Cumbria County Council - let’s have some joined up thinking for a change.

This could even help with your BID.

Terry Doherty

Kendal