If ever proof was needed that the media twist ‘the news’ - to get clicks and increase advertising revenue - this is it.

Just read this article! >

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/17758163/council-fine-chopping-down-protected-tree/

I’ll save you the pain of reading. Man has been fined (totally correctly) for felling trees protected by a tree preservation order.  Said man then takes umbrage at a neighbouring development site which fells four protected trees of the same species.

He has now started an appeal process against the developer next door.

BUT as you may know, full planning consent overrides TPOs and the decision was made on the removal of these four trees years ago as part of a consented development.

Key takeaway, the developer has done nothing wrong, the council has done nothing wrong, the homeowner is exhibiting dumb*uck**y of the highest order.

What this shows is that even if you have all your ducks in a row, your clients' projects can still get a massive rock thrown in the pond through no fault of your own.  

When the news is a subject you understand, it makes you question the wider media doesn’t it?

The next big thing at the moment is rocketing inflation, bringing with it the turmoil and heartache of rising project costs.

It's been said that the cost of living will have risen 10% by the end of the year which just seems incredible to comprehend.  Whether you believe it is Putin, COViD or political mismanagement, it doesn’t matter.  

I had big plans for this weekend, sadly storm Arwen put paid to that!
Who thinks these names up?

I've still got some jobs to do around the house and some finishing touches to put to a big project.

But no, high winds and snow smashed that door firmly shut.

The storm meant that most of the weekend has been spent helping my son James learn his lines for the upcoming school nativity play.

Not that I mind that.

He is 'Wiseman 1' and is delighted...

It's amazing to see his reading coming on (he is 7)...

The downside of this is that the previously hushed grown up conversations and spelt out swear words are now being understood... if not fully then certainly partially!

I guess I'll have to banish the bad language forever.

With that being said, I was somewhat distracted by the pinging of my work email in the corner of the room.  

We have 24/7 customer support for emergencies but I usually hide away my work phone at weekends as family time is precious isn't it?

The slow pinging became slightly more vigorous and that then turned into calls.

It seems the storm has claimed more than a few trees nationwide and now emergency surveys are in high demand.

Have you seen the picture of the train that hit a tree in the North of Scotland?

That must have been truly terrifying for the poor driver.

So as I write this email at my kitchen table on Monday afternoon, our nationwide staff are racing across the UK looking at trees, forests, roads, roofs and all manner of wind damaged infrastructure.

Our unique drone fleet has proved invaluable for this.

So coupled with the usually mad panic as Christmas approaches and projects get pushed to the New Year, I think a busy December is on the cards.

PS - Karalyn in the office can be reached on 01463 667302