Scrimping on looking after trees by the council is costing Swindon’s taxpayers more than it is saving say Labour councillors.

One, Councillor Stephanie Exell, who represents Mannington and Western says the council is paying much more in compensation claims than its budget for keeping trees in the town’s streets tidy.

She has brought a motion to be debated at the next full council meeting which says: “This Council notes that only £50,000 has been budgeted in the general fund for the maintenance of trees, and that that over the last three years, 21 tree claims were settled by the Council with a total paid of £373,700.

“In November 2017 a motion was brought to Council requesting a review of its tree maintenance policy. This motion was voted down by the majority group."

The motion requests a review of the Conservative administration’s policy and a report to cabinet by the lead member for highways and the environment, Councillor Maureen Penny, on how to avoid having to pay out large sums in compensation.

Coun Exell said: “I have been contacted by a number of residents concerned at the lack of maintenance on trees.

“It seems that the administration doesn’t have a good handle on this issue - to spend so little on maintaining the trees that much more has to be paid out in compensation claims because the trees are causing damage to people’s property. It would be much better to maintain and look after these trees so they don’t cause the damage in the first place.

“There’s also an environmental issue. I’m concerned that the council might see felling healthy trees as being cheaper than properly treating and maintaining the. We have beautiful trees in Swindon but they need proper looking after.”

But he ruling Conservatives said the motion is just mischief making and hit back.

Coun Penny said: “Swindon’s policy, unlike Labour-run Sheffield Council, does not advocate the felling of trees to save money and we hope that the Labour councillors in Swindon do not propose something so irresponsible. This is a desperate move to manufacture an issue where none exists.

“The council and its insurers will only compensate homeowners where there is damage caused by problems like tree roots, and we can assure residents that not a penny of Council Tax is spent on this issue.

“Our tree policy is robust and reviewed in line with current legislation. Some parishes have now taken on elements of tree work in the borough so looking forward we will seek to ensure that trees are planted appropriately for their surroundings and, on any new developments, that the parish or estate management company has the responsibility for any maintenance.

The Conservatives will remain focused on delivering a fair and affordable council tax, and promise local residents that we will never increase Council Tax by 35 per cent in three years like Labour did.”

The motion will be debated and voted on at the next full council meeting at 7pm on Thursday November 8.