SAFETY FEARS OVER FALLING PEARS

Worcester City Council has explained its actions in cordoning off pear trees in a public park. A statement follows.

The two trees are by the main entrance to the park and stand by pathways used regularly by members of the public - in particular the large number of families with small children on their way to the play area.

The fruit on these trees are Worcester Black Pears and are much larger and heavier than standard conference pears - Black Pears are rock solid and not edible and they are bigger, and weigh more, than a cricket ball - in fact many are well over a pound in weight each.

Alan Stuttard, Worcester head of community services said: 'There has been one recorded incident of a passer-by being struck by a falling pear tree. In response to this, the council has placed a temporary sign on each tree alerting park users to be aware of falling 'super' pears' and have put some tape around the perimeter of each tree to further highlight the areas potentially affected by falling fruit.

'The tape and signs will only be in-situ during the harvest period which is likely to be for the next two to three weeks. Once all the fruit has fallen the tape and signs will be removed.'

This is a small, temporary solution to a small, temporary problem. The Black Pear has a long association with the city and is part of the official crest of Worcester. The council is proud of its heritage and recognises that these trees, which were planted in 1932 by HRH Edward Prince of Wales, who later became Edward VIII, are a great asset to Cripplegate Park and to the city as a whole.