CBD pavers fixed for good

THE lifted footpath pavers in River St, Ballina, are being fixed for good.

The roots on the poinciana trees in the main CBD block, planted as part of the initial stages of the upgrade project back in 2004, have been the culprits in lifting the pavers.

It's an issue that went before Ballina Shire Council in March 2009, but council resolved to keep the trees.

But council's manager of open spaces and reserves Jillian Pratten said staff had been pruning the roots of the 14 poincianas in the town centre.

And council currently is seeking a contractor to retro-fit purpose-built root barriers around the trees and the figs near the pedestrian traffic lights, as well as some of the town's larger figs.

Ms Pratten said when the poinciana trees were initially planted, the barriers installed to stop the roots from lifting the pavers were not purpose-built.

And, quite simply, Ms Pratten said: "They failed."

The roots of the trees had grown over the top of the concrete blocks placed around the trees, and wedged themselves through the joins.

Ms Pratten said the purpose-built root barriers to be installed would be fitted around the base of the tree, and extend down to the water table.

She said the water in the water table was salt, so the roots won't go beyond that, and would be confined within the barrier.

She said council currently was getting quotes for the installation. Once funding was finalised, the work could be completed within two months.

The root barriers will be fitted around trees planted as part of the next sections of the upgrade.