Information on Loughborough

Elms return to Sutton in the Elms

Posted on 20/10/2009

Leicestershire Councty Council Community Services

19 October 2009

Elms return to Sutton in the Elms ***Photo opportunity: 11.45am, Saturday, October 31, Sutton in the Elms Baptist Church, Leicester Road, Sutton in the Elms ***

Residents of Sutton in the Elms have been involved in a project to bring Elm trees back to their village.

"Princeton" Elms, trees with the classic shape of England’s native elm, have been planted along Leicester Road and at the entrance to the village.

Total funding of £3,500 was given to Broughton Astley Parish Council by the Stepping Stones Project at Leicestershire County Council and the Rural Community Council (Leicestershire and Rutland), for planting the trees that will replace those that were ravaged by Dutch Elm disease last century.

The 15 large trees will stand as a testament to those trees under which Sutton's Baptists originally worshipped to avoid persecution in 1650.

Princeton Elms were recently planted in front of The White House and at Highgrove House, Gloucestershire, home of HRH The Prince of Wales, and were sourced by Stepping Stones for their excellent resistance to Dutch Elm Disease.

Ernie White, Cabinet Member for Better Places at Leicestershire County Council, said "This is what the Stepping Stones Project does so well - supporting community led schemes that improve green spaces on people’s doorsteps."

On Saturday, 31st October residents will meet for a celebratory event at Sutton in the Elms Baptist Church, where one of the Elms will be planted and a commemorative plaque will be unveiled.

Notes:

For more information please call the press office on 0116 3055712.

The Stepping Stones Project is a partnership that aims to improve provision and quality of green space for all in the Central Leicestershire Area.

The Partnership is funded by Leicestershire County Council, Blaby District Council, Charnwood Borough Council, Harborough District Council, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council and Oadby and Wigston Borough Council.

Stepping Stones - www.leics.gov.uk/Stepping_stones