AS the spring gives way to warmer weather and trees begin to swell and burst into life it means that the centuries old view from the Prospect will disappear.

Ross-on-WyeTown Council heard at its last meeting that a contractor was unwilling to pollard or remove trees at the top of the cliffs in the belief that it might make the rock face more unstable.

For hundreds of years local people and visitors have enjoyed the view of the U-bend in the River Wye, Wilton Castle, the historic oak tree and the Black Mountains beyond.

Councillor Milly Boylan pointed out that you are unable to see the view from Prospect because of the overgrown trees and said: “What does this council need to do to resolve this situation? Who needs to push who to get the trees felled and chopped down.?”

Cllr Louis Stark said: “Balfour Beatty will not disturb the trees because of the instability of the rock face from which they are growing.

“We have tried to get the contractor to change its mind. But it appears they will not budge on that particular issue.”

The members were told that part of the cemetery is immediately below the viewing platform, but it’s the level below that which has self-seeded trees growing out of the rock face.

Cllr Stark added: “When the contractor recently cleaned out the vegetation from this area they didn’t touch anything else that could disturb the rock face.”

Cllr Julian Utting pointed out: “It looks like someone has hacked the tops from some of the trees in this area, but not the ones obscuring the view.”

Cllr Boylan added: “The Prospect is one of the town’s assets with its views of the specular bend in the river and we need to do something about preserving this.”

Cllr Ed O’Driscoll suggested that with the view about to disappear the area will become the non-Prospect and said: “We are not asking to take the trees out, but they could just take the tops off as farmers do when they cut down hedges to a manageable height.

“Surely that would give the town its cherished view. Back.The roots of the trees would remain where they are, so wouldn’t be disturbing the integral structure of the cliff face.”

Mayor Bev Pope said that if a viewpoint is to stay for any length of time it would have to be managed properly. A severe cut as being suggested would promote a lot of growth in the following season.

Cllr John Wilding said that this should be discussed in full at the next amenities committed meeting by which time the local authority’s tree survey of the Prospect will be in our procession.

Members also considered erecting a ceremonial flagpole at the Prospect, to complement the Beacon. The councillors were told that Herefordshire Council agreed in principle to the proposal and suggested that it could be licensed accordingly. It is hoped that the estimated cost of £7,000 could be raised through public subscription.