An eight-point action plan based on lessons learned from the removal of the Irton tree, near Scarborough, is to be considered by members of North Yorkshire County Council next week.
Members of the council’s Transport, Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee will be asked for their views on the outcome of an investigation by senior officers into the events leading up to the felling of the tree last October.
The report acknowledges that the case involved considerable expenditure, and resulted in adverse publicity for the authority.
But it says the measures being proposed will reduce the likelihood of a similar situation arising in future.
County Councillor Gareth Dadd, Executive Member for Highways:
North Yorkshire County Council is a highly responsive organisation, and it is always ready to learn from any mistakes.
This plan – drawn up by senior officers – clearly demonstrates our commitment to this principle. Their report will now be considered by members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, whose observations will determine the exact way forward.
The report envisages a new protocol on tree issues, involving closer working with district and borough councils, to avoid situations such as Irton arising in future. The protocol is already in place in Scarborough, and the report proposes monitoring its success before extending it to the rest of North Yorkshire.
The report also proposes a number of internal measures around the monitoring and management of insurance claims and risk management.
