Following the news that Hertfordshire County Council is to begin felling a total of 277 on around 50 roads in Potters Bar by April this year, Oliver has called on the Council to work to preserve the area’s trees.

Oliver said: ‘One of the great things about living in Hertsmere is our wonderful green spaces, of which trees are an immense and indispensable part.

‘I know many people are concerned about the loss of these trees. I understand that the Council have a duty to fell dead or potentially unsafe trees, but residents should be given clear advance notice and they should be replaced on a like for like basis.

‘I have been raising residents’ concerns in conjunction with the local County Councillor, Peter Knell, and we’ve made some progress.’

Alongside work by Cllr Knell, in a letter to the County Council Oliver raised his concerns and those of many of his constituents and urged the Council to protect these valuable community and natural assets.

Speaking later Oliver said: ‘I understand, following my letter, that the County Council will be replacing all of the felled trees on a one for one basis and that these fellings are necessary for safety reasons to preserve local roads.

‘While I am glad to see that the council have taken the points raised by myself and others on board, I remain concerned over the nature of the replacements that will be made. Obviously exchanging a fully grown, well established tree with a new sapling of a different species which does not fit the local environment is not a like for like replacement.

‘I will be working with Cllr Knell and others to make sure that appropriate replacements are made and that our local environment is preserved for future generations.’