Willow removal costs shared

South Wairarapa District Council have agreed to contribute to the cost of removing willow trees in Whakarua Stream.

At a meeting on February 20, the council said they would contribute a third of the cost of removal, $8500, to clear the willow trees and alleviate road maintenance and potential bridge damage following flooding.

The council contribution was made under the condition that the $8500 was paid to contractors who were doing the work and not as a lump sum and that the landowner continued maintenance following the removal of the trees.

The council said it was a one-off with special circumstances.