The poisoned poplars near the Alexandra bridge will get the chop. More than 30 poplars and one willow have died after poison was apparently poured into drill holes made in the trees.
A fortnight ago, police said they were at a ‘‘deadlock'' in their investigation into the incident, unless more information came to light. The matter was raised at yesterday's Central Otago District Council meeting. Rose Quirk, of Colliers International, which manages the lake and river shore for Land Information New Zealand told councillors an aborist had inspected the trees.
‘‘The report says the trees will continue to deteriorate and they'll have be removed. It's a huge shame but there's no other option and we've got to think of public safety,'' she said.
The trees would have to be felled within the next few months. They border the Roxburgh Gorge cycle trail, so there would have to be discussion with the trail trust before carrying out the work.
Cr Stephen Jeffery said: ‘‘It's disappointing that every time someone doesn't like a tree now, they poison it.''
Earlier this month, Sergeant Matt Alley, of Alexandra, said police had ‘‘inquired with residents, but no-one saw anything''. He declined to speculate on the motive for poisoning the trees.
