High Street 'fake trees' idea dismissed as a joke

A suggestion to install artificial trees on a busy High Street that "lacks ambience and character" has been dismissed as "ridiculous" by city officials.

Conservative councillor Judith McMahon suggested giving 150 fake trees to businesses in Southend-on-Sea to provide "instant impact" and "soften" its shopping thoroughfare.

But the council's Labour leader, Daniel Cowan, dubbed the plan "pure fantasy" and confirmed the city was in line for a green oasis.

"We want real trees in our High Street and actually we have plans to do it. What we're not going to do is waste council taxpayers' money on ridiculous ideas," he said.

Ms McMahon told a recent full council meeting: "The proposal to give faux trees to shops would soften and add character at a very small cost.

"There is no leaf litter, no root damage and businesses would be the responsible agent to anchor, care for and display the trees."

She added: "This would be an instant impact with an encouragement to businesses to add to and enhance this perhaps even by competition."

The plan, which Ms McMahon said would cost £7,500, was backed by fellow Tory, Kevin Buck, who said they would add "immediate visual improvement", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

The Prittlewell Ward councillor also said: "Artificial trees can be made from many materials.

"They do not necessarily need to be plastic."

But Stuart Allen, Green Party councillor for Leigh Ward, said: "I don't know how not to be rude. I think this is ridiculous.

"I thought it was an actual joke. Artificial trees are not going to provide shade for people or air generation. It's crazy."

Mr Cowan described the suggestion as "a completely un-costed Conservative idea".

"The cheapest tree made out of plastic of a reasonable size is about £2,500. We're talking £375,000 - that's for plastic trees.

"If you are talking about fibreglass, that's £8,000 a tree. You've not costed this. You've pulled this out the air. It's a complete and utter nonsense."

He dismissed the idea as "complete and utter fantasy", adding: "I've spoken to BID and they think there are so many better things this council could be spending money on."

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