Tree experts get streetwise on safety

Tree experts at Arbortech in Fellbeck near Harrogate, have completed a course at one of the training centres charged with implementing the Government's new "Red Book" initiative.

The Red Book, which is industry's informal name for Parliament's new Safety at Street Works Code of Practice, came into force last month. As part of the code, specialists operating on any Highways Agency or local authority road, have to undertake training to ensure they work to the safest possible standards. Each of the Arbortech team had to undergo classroom and practical training in addition to on site assessments, before they passed as Registered Traffic Management Operatives.

The tree specialist company's clients include the National Trust, for whom it carries out work at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Deer Park.