EMERGENCY Tree Preservation orders imposed in June 2009 in Lansdown Road are to stay in force.

Monmouthshire planners approved the order to remain on five trees in the grounds of three properties including one on land at the former Saxonbury Nursing Home.

Councillor Doug Edwards: "The lack of knowledge about tree maintenance and preservation orders within the community amazes me.

"I moved to this area some 40 years ago and in that time some of the neighbouring trees have grown so tall, and without consideration to others means that I have no views whatsoever."

Councillor James George said: "Just because a tree has an order on it doesn't prevent it being worked upon. The trees in question in my ward have quite a large percentage of branches that need attention.

"This order allows work to be undertaken by a qualified tree surgeon after applying to the council for permission to carry out the work and this order prevents it being undertaken by a landowner doing a spot of DIY.

George Watson, the authority's tree officer clarified the situation and said that imposing a tree preservation order does not mean that it cannot be touched.

He added: "An order like this allows regular maintenance to be undertaken by a registered tree surgeon who adheres to the British standard guidelines.

"If a land owner should ignore conditions set out in an order, they could be enforced against.

"And as Monmouthshire has a good network of nosey neighbours, we'd soon get to know about any breech."