Royal revellers could celebrate the Queen’s jubilee under a canopy of new trees if the plans of a north Kingston mum take root.
The proposals would restore greenery to three Canbury roads that lost many trees when new cables were installed under the pavement in the 1990s.
Council officers have done provisional work to see which parts of Burton, Gibbon and Richmond Park Roads would be suitable for the plants, which would cost about £350 each.
Jo Melbourne, who has lived in Gibbon Road for 16 years, came up with the idea to provide an environmental legacy from the 2012 celebrations.
She said: “They are quite wide roads and look quite barren and sparse now. When you see the parking signs it looks like a great picture for the Tate Modern because you can just see these metal poles along the road.
“If I had these planted 10 years ago when I first thought about it, they would have been 10 years old now and the landscape would be quite different.
“It would be lovely if we are all here in 10 years if the trees are established and they give a lot of joy.”
She hoped about 30 trees, selected so they don’t drop sap or damage pavements, would be planted, and hopes for outside funding to supplement donations from residents.
Local councillors have backed the plans.
Councillor Geoff Austin said: “I think it’s excellent. The council does not have any money to spend on trees.
“We did get some money from Boris for new trees, but unfortunately they wanted to tell where they would go, and we would not get any say in it.
“I think it would be wonderful if a local organisation wanted to put some money into it. I think it’s a superb idea.”
Councillor Tim Dennen said: “I’m totally for it. I would really support having trees. I’m a big arboreal guy.”
The Brag residents’ association, which is appealing for photos of the roads before the original trees were felled, is surveying residents to see where the new ones should be planted.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here