OUTRAGE has been sparked from a decision to go ahead with a four-tree project which could cost the taxpayer more than £12,000.

Local authorities have set aside the money to fund the planting of four trees housed in metal containers in North Station Road, Colchester.

The green concept was approved by Colchester Council’s planning committee after being backed by Essex County Council and Greater Anglia.

It is forecasted the project will cost at least £12,550 in total, despite the trees costing £250 each.

A breakdown of the estimated expenditure, revealed through a Freedom of Information request, shows each metal box will cost £5,350 overall, with a £1,560 invoice for delivery.

Gazette: Plan - the trees will be housed in front of Century HousePlan - the trees will be housed in front of Century House (Image: Google)

Planting and topsoil is estimated to be priced at £500 per tree while other costs include pruning, weeding and watering over a period of five years – with £2,640 for watering.

It has led Colchester’s High Steward Sir Bob Russell to brand the scheme an “appalling waste of money”.

He told the planning committee throughout his public life he had supported tree planting schemes, but planting trees in metal boxes and “plonking them on the pavement” was not something he could support.

The boxes are to be placed on the pavement in front of Century House, the 1960s office block with shops on the ground floor, on the eastern side of the street.

Gazette: Appalled - Sir Bob RussellAppalled - Sir Bob Russell (Image: Newsquest)

The scheme is to be jointly funded by Colchester Council’s new homes bonus contributions, Essex County Council and Greater Anglia.

A Colchester Council spokesman said it opted for moveable greenery so any potential future walking and cycling schemes would not be impacted by planted trees.

“The use of planters will enable the trees to be moved and reinstated at various locations along North Station Road, as future development opportunities arise and as new highway layouts are completed, after which they could then be planted into the ground,” he added.

“In addition to the proposal to restore trees along the route, the funding allocated will ensure they remain an asset to the street scene for years to come.”