Artist's impression of the metal tree
I have heard some crazy ideas, but this one takes the biscuit.
In Stoke-on-Trent they are cutting down live growing trees and erecting a metal one in a paved area cleared from the woodland.
Read on:
As a symbol of a council's green credentials, a tree, no doubt, seemed the natural choice.
But plans approved for a 21 ft tall metal sculpture version, surrounded by floodlights in cleared woodland, have left local taxpayers less convinced.
The creation, called Tree Stories, is part of a £12 million "Greening for Growth" initiative to improve the environment of Stoke-on-Trent. But angry locals have likened it to the Blackpool Illuminations.
They say it makes a mockery of a campaign by the council to encourage residents to cut back on their own energy use by driving less and not leaving their televisions on standby.
With eight 26 ft high lights and 30 floor lights, the £350,000 project does not appear to be a shining example of carbon-neutral policy.
"The council tells us how to cut our energy use - then they do something like this," said Donald Pass, who lives near Forest Park, where the metal tree is to be erected. "They talk green but fail to practise what they preach."
A spokesman for the council said the extensive lighting was necessary to ensure visitors to the park did not walk into the sculpture. "This fabulous sculpture and plaza will make for a stunning entrance into a great park full of facilities, which will benefit everyone," the spokesman insisted.
In all, 20 trees will be removed to make way for Tree Stories. The council said it planned to plant more elsewhere in the park.
It was reported earlier this month that local authorities were spending more than £100 million a year to hire 3,500 "carbon-reduction advisers" and other workers charged with combating climate change.
P.S. If you would like to read more about Carbon Offsetting, go to:
31/07/07 @ 10:51