THE PLANTING and protecting of trees in Islington could get much simpler with a slashing of bureaucracy.

A new two-page policy, which clearly details the rules regarding planting, pruning and prosecution, is being put forward at an executive council meeting on Thursday (January 13) for consideration and approval. It is hoped that the trimmed back regulations will replace the 62-page policy that is currently being used.

Councillor Paul Smith, Islington Council’s executive member for environment, hopes that the new layout will make it clear that those who damage council trees will face legal action, while having a practical approach to managing trees that have become a problem.

He said: “It’s ridiculous to chop down more trees to print 62 pages of hard-to-read red tape, so we’re providing a two-page plain English guide, with 15 easy-to-follow bullet points that tell you everything you need to know about tree protection.

“Islington has had some of the highest cuts in government funds in London, and our common sense tree policy will help the council make savings to spend on helping local people.”