Following an independent tree report regarding damage to the playground in Stephenson Way Academy, a copse of mature poplar trees in West Park have been identified as the cause of the extensive root damage within the school grounds.

As the trees are within the ownership of Great Aycliffe Town Council, the Councils insurance company have agreed to reinstate the playground, and the Town Council will remove all the trees causing the issue to avoid the problem reoccurring.

The group of mature poplar trees will therefore be felled, removed from site and the stumps ground out to avoid regrowth. This work will be completed in the forthcoming weeks. The Town Council will ensure that additional trees are planted within the park next winter when suitable locations have been identified.