Councillors, officers, voluntary groups and concerned citizens met today and agreed to establish an action group whose aim was to replace trees and replant uprooted plants.

Following the cutting and removal of palm trees on the South Embankment in Dartmouth last week, County Councillor Jonathan Hawkins called a meeting of all those who were involved or were concerned with the loss of palm trees. Those at the meeting agreed that no more palm trees would be removed, that where palms had been removed they would be replaced and that where they remained, the surrounding beds would be replanted.

South Hams officers confirmed, this would be done in February before replanting would take place in spring, in warmer weather, with the aim of replanting being done by Easter. Replacement palm trees would be 8 to 10 feet tall.

At the meeting on the South Embankment on Tuesday, January 8, were district councillors Hilary Bastone and Rosemary Rowe, town councillor Tesa de Galleani, two representatives of the Old Dartmothians, Stevie Rogers of Dartmouth Green Partnerships, Dave Cawley from Dartmouth Chamber of Commerce, two officers from South Hams District Council, John Walker, We Love Dartmouth Past Present and Future on Facebook, and seven residents.

The group walked along the embankment and exchanged ideas for the replanting of the beds. Concern was expressed by residents that palm trees were removed with no consultation and that Dartmouth Town Council was not communicating with residents. Officers of South Hams pointed out that the impetus for replanting had come from Cllr Hawkins. Being quizzed on why the replanting was undertaken at all, Cllr Hawkins said he had taken advice from Dartmouth Green Partnerships.

The officers also said that the beds were owned and managed by South Hams and were not the subject of the proposed transfer of assets.

Cllr Hawkins said that costs of replanting would be covered by his locality funding and by funds available from developers for public works.

An invitation to all who wish to contribute their time, ideas or views was extended by Cllr Hawkins and a request that people send their email addresses to John Walker at We Love Dartmouth Past Present and Future on Facebook by private message was made. Mr Walker agreed to collate these and enable the action group to be contacted and for their views to be made known. Cllr Hawkins will arrange the next meeting.He said: “It would be great if we could have a monthly meeting of concerned citizens in Dartmouth.”