I am extremely tired of hearing “the trees were removed as they were unsafe”, as the poor excuse for lack of adequate public consultation, notification and access to documents such as the arborist report and  management plan in gaining an understanding of why this work needs to be undertaken.

I, as I am sure most people realise, trees that are beyond repair can be a potential hazard, but with public liability/litigation, and new development, we are also aware trees are removed for expediency or cost-saving measures.

As with the eight cut down at Merimbula Airport, some yes did have rot, but the others were salvageable.

I have also been told that there is to be complete removal of all the trees despite some of these 25-plus-year-olds being very strong and healthy.

Now being a little attached to these trees, which have sheltered my vehicle (for free) and welcomed me home, I would appreciate my local council being more mindful in deciding the fate of the remaining trees by engaging the public through comment and suggestion and being open, transparent and accessible if concerns arise.

As a ratepayer and resident, one would expect their local council to serve and benefit the community to the best of their ability, but sorry to say, this is rarely the case in the Bega Valley Shire.

Dona Eaton 

Lochiel

Why are the youth of today being so aggressive to everyone?

I think, and others too, that they are so well built and generally over the height and weight of past decades.

In the 1970s and ‘80s we used to be about nine stone, or 60-odd kilos, wringing wet and not as tall and well developed as they are today – in both sexes.

I have, and others have, noticed they are not long haired as we used to be, as being they are losing their hair while early in their years.

The other thing is trying to determine their age and you could be mistaken a lot of times.

The young generation are so spoiled that they will not help out in the family chores.

Years ago, if we did not do our chores after school, no pocket money.

Some of these people get allowances that would keep us a week.

Mick Ahkin

Bega