The Queenstown Lakes District Council has reviewed its decision to completely remove aging crack willows from an Arrowtown lane, QLDC Councillor John Wilson said.

"Unfortunately the willows have not been well maintained over the years and we have had some public safety issues with falling branches. A decision was taken to remove them and replant but we had some community feedback and have been able to revisit that original option," Mr Wilson said.

Mr Wilson and representatives of the Wakatipu Environmental Society met on site last week with the Council's manager of parks.

"As an alternative to removing all of the willows we have struck on a compromise to remove four of the most dangerous willows but retain the others by undertaking pruning and in some cases cutting them back to allow regrowth," Mr Wilson said.

It was important for safety reasons that the work was carried out as soon as possible, however the Council had committed to undertaking wider ranging planning of the area.

"We need to actually come up with a plan that incorporates not only Ramshaw Lane but also the car park and the skate park with some seating, replanting and picnic areas. This is really a good opportunity to tidy up the whole area," Mr Wilson said.

The crack willow trees that were to be removed would be replaced with another species of willow.

"Unfortunately our experts tell us those trees are dilapidated to the extent that they are liable to be a threat to the public, the good news is that with the right expertise and maintenance we now think it's possible to retain the other trees," Mr Wilson said.

It was hoped the landscape plans would be available for comment in the next few weeks.

END

For further information please contact John Wilson 03 442 1894 or QLDC parks manager Gordon Bailey 03 441 0499.

By: Tamah