Anger over tree felling at school

Resident Gerry Coleman said parents were upset that trees had been cut down on the school grounds last week.

"They played on those trees when they were children and now their own children play on them," he said.

Mr Coleman said residents understood one of the trees was about 70 years old.

Parent Karalyn arr said the treasured trees' were cut down stealthily.

"We are devastated," she said. "I used to play marbles under those trees when I went there and my son just told me it was the coolest place to be in summer under the trees.

"Community members are so upset that there are plans to hang yellow ribbons in the area."

Department executive director of infrastructure John Fischer said the trees needed to be removed for redevelopments.

"A new administration area is being built at Bassendean Primary School, to meet the requirements of a modern school," he said.

"Unfortunately, three trees needed to be removed from the site to make way for the new building.

"One of those trees was a 40-year-old Moreton Bay fig, and both an independent arborist and the Town of Bassendean approved its removal."

Mr Fisher said the department spent more than six months looking at several options to keep the trees.

"However due to space restrictions, this was not possible," he said.

"I understand the principal has explained this to a couple of parents who have expressed concern."

He said information for parents was included in newsletters, presentations were made to the school council and plans were also on display at the school for several weeks before construction.

Mr Fisher said |students involved in the school's River Rangers program would plant new trees and vegetation.