Overview
- The town says satellite checks showed 46 trees were taken without approval during works, contributing to 65 removals in total including 11 initially approved and 19 cut for condition or safety.
- Mayor Karen Vernon issued a public apology, accepted responsibility, and said failures in site management and tree protection are being examined.
- The council now plans to plant more than 94 new trees, expanding on earlier landscaping plans, with officials acknowledging mature canopy will take years to recover.
- Blackoak, which is redeveloping the adjacent Elizabeth Baillie House, stated it had no role in the unapproved removals, noting the park works are managed by the town.
- Residents and tree advocates condemned the losses and called for accountability, as the mayor signalled the investigation could lead to personnel consequences.