12 May 2003 00:00 Tree-mendous management programme ensures quality service in Lincolnshire

East Midlands Electricity (EME) staff in Lincolnshire are planting new trees and cutting back old ones in a bid to ensure a quality service for customers.


Trees that come within three metres of an overhead power line can represent a safety hazard, as well as potentially causing supply interruptions and damage to equipment. EME believes that the number of interruptions can be reduced by cutting back or, where appropriate, felling these trees.


But as an environmentally-friendly company, EME is ensuring that for every tree felled, two new ones are planted.


EME has been developing its tree management programme for a number of years - something that was highlighted as good practice by the Government's report into the October storms.


Graham Taylor, EME's Programme Manager, Trees and Vegetation, said: "We know that we can't afford to sit on our laurels and so we recognise how important it is to have a proactive tree management programme in place.


"We've been very busy in Lincolnshire - identifying potential problem areas and then getting to work pruning and felling trees.