Businesses in Anson Street have mixed opinions about what should happen with the trees in Anson Street with many saying they like the trees but damage caused by their roots needs to be addressed.
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However, at this stage none of them have been shown a solution that would enable the trees to be kept.
Fella Hamilton manager Kerrie King loves the trees and said she was concerned about how hot her west-facing shop would get on summer afternoons without a tree outside.
"We do need the trees and it's a lovely picturesque street, the heat would be huge," she said.
She was also opposed to the street becoming a pedestrian mall.
Kenall owner Kendall Hansen also opposed turning the street into a mall. but said something needed to be done to address the damage caused by the trees.
"I love the trees but I'm worried about them ripping up the buildings and the infrastructure," Mrs Hansen said.
"I am concerned about them ripping up these beautiful heritage buildings."
Mrs Hansen said she would love for a way to be found to keep them both but tree tree roots are damaging the foundation on the building her shop is in and due to street flooding from drainage blockages, she's had to replace her carpet twice.
She said she has also seen several older women fall over on the uneven concrete also caused by the tree roots.
The Iris Patch owner Tracey Zylstra is also having trouble with root damage storm water and sewrage, which has caused ongoing problems with the shop's toilet and that caused horrible smells.
"It's progressively getting worse," Mrs Zylstra said.
"I'd love another solution to fixing the storm water and fixing the trees but I haven't been offered one.
"I've been told [removing the tree] is the only way to fix it."
Mrs Zylstra said she had also seen elderly people fall on the uneven concrete footpath or slip on the seed balls or fallen leaves.
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