I would be grateful if someone could explain to me why Surrey County Council/Ewell Borough Council (not sure which?) are spending valuable money to cut down trees and branches from an island situated in the middle of Bourne Hall pond?

I understand that both of these councils are having to cut services due to lack of money.

This is not the first time that money on this pond has been unnecessarily spent, as last year they put down a mesh netting behind the metal fence for no obvious reason. Both of these actions have had, and are having an impact on the wildlife at the pond. The mesh netting has caused birds to get tangled in it. I have had take to take injured birds to vets for treatment. Recently one bird has had to have toe removed! and now this tree cutting (which was stopped!), if continued would have meant that the squirrels who currently have their nests (dreys) with babies on the island, would have been trapped and left to die. A lot of people, young and old get a lot of pleasure from the pond and the wildlife.

If I am wrong and these councils do have a surplus of money, I am sure there are a lot of good causes this could be used for.

I was always taught that if you looked after the pennies, the pounds will look after themselves.

I urge these councils when their so called 'need' to have cut backs, that they look at these unnecessary jobs first before they cut back on valuable services.

Pat in the Park

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