Community forest plan for Caia Park housing estate

Up to 7,000 trees could be planted on Caia Park estate, Wrexham

Wrexham's Caia Park housing estate will be transformed into an urban woodland after plans to plant 7,000 trees had the go-ahead.

The Welsh Assembly Government initiative, Plant, aims to plant a tree for every child born or adopted in Wales since January 2008.

However, some concerns have been raised locally that the trees could become a hiding place for criminals, although councillors say the idea has generally been welcomed.

Wrexham council will work in partnership with the Forestry Commission who will provide funds in the region of £100,000 to establish the site over five years.

Dorothy Mitchell, chair of Caia Park Environmental Group, said: "Planting trees would be absolutely wonderful.

"We need them from an ecological point of view. I hope the trees they choose to plant are indigenous to Britain. As long as the community are involved, I think it's brilliant."

But there have been concerns raised as the Leader newspaper reports.

However, Councillor Carrie Harper, whose Queensway ward is part of Caia Park, said: "We raised the same concerns about how they would be used and the ongoing maintenance. There are potential issues, I don't think anyone would disagree."

However, she said consultations with local people had had a positive response.

"The vast majority thought it was a good idea," she said.

The Caia Park plan will be the fifth area of woodland planted in Wales under the Plant scheme - and the first in an urban setting.

Wrexham parks and countryside manager Martin Howorth said: "People feel better about where they live if an area looks better.

"It is well-documented that living near woodland areas reduces stress and improves people's well-being."