Hopes of protected status for ‘bent’ tree

Hopes of protected status for ‘bent’ tree

16 July 2025

A LOCAL councillor is calling for a historic tree in the centre of Newcastle to be given protected status.

Alliance councillor Jill Truesdale wants to a protection order to be given to the “Bent Elm’ tree outside the Tropicana fun pool.

There have been post cards showing the tree since Victorian times and Cllr Truesdale said the town should try to retain its heritage as a Victorian seaside resort.

“Everyone in Newcastle instantly recognises this tree in front of the Tropicana fun pool and even if they aren’t aware of its history, many residents know it has been there for a very long time,” she said.

“It is the only elm that is left along the promenade. Once upon a time the boundary between the promenade and the road was planted the whole way along to afford protection from the wind to walkers, horses, carts and cars.”

Cllr Truesdale said many businesses in Newcastle had spent a lot of time and money to retain the original Victorian architecture of the town, which was to be “welcomed and supported”.

She continued: “Retaining this tree is only a small measure but it falls in line with the successful tree motion I brought before Newry, Mourne and Down Council.

“This particular tree brings much joy and connection to many people and in these fast-paced, difficult times, acts as something familiar to hold on to.”

Cllr Truesdale also highlighted what she described as the “convoluted and user-unfriendly manner” of the tree protection order (TPO) process. 

“When I first enquired if this particular tree had a TPO on it I was quite shocked to find out it hadn’t, so I immediately started the application to get one,” she said.

“This was a very convoluted process which someone outside of the council microcosm would definitely find it a struggle to complete.”

Cllr Truesdale says she has made enquiries with other councils to find out if they experience the same difficulties and to have discussions around making the process more user-friendly.