AN idea conceived over a birthday glass of wine could result in apple trees blossoming in Launceston.

Town councillors last week considered a proposal for an apple tree trail from resident Emma Smith, who received praise for her ‘brilliant’ idea.

Ms Smith told the council: “This idea started on my birthday, on January 1, when I had a few glasses of wine. Then I thought I would voice the idea loudly on Launceston Notice Board [Facebook page], then it would galvanise me to do something more spunky.

“I came up with the idea of an apple tree trail. What I would like to ask councillors is if they can recommend any areas around the town.

“The idea would be to plant apple trees all around the town to replace many of the trees that have been cut down. It would also provide apples for people, and soak up all this water that keeps on falling.”

She said the areas she had ‘scoped out’ so far for disease-resistant, Cornish varieties, were the parade ground, Northgate Street, Ridgegrove, near to Tesco, and around the library and the Gateway Centre.

Of the latter, she added: “It would be absolutely lovely to see that in bloom rather than grass.

“I know there would be a maintenance issue, so would probably have to put tree protectors on, especially in areas where they mow.

“There are possible areas near the River Kensey and if we get enough it would be nice to involve the schools, too.

“The idea would be to link it all up and draw a trail — that could go in the museum and people could follow the trail and identify the different varieties.

“I just need permission and money.”

Ms Smith added she would ‘beg’ everybody she could think of for funds.

Cllr Paul O’Brien said: “What an absolutely brilliant idea, I really do take my hat off to you.”

He added he felt the idea should be worked on by the council’s environment and open spaces committee, with the input of Ms Smith.

Liberal Democrat Cornwall Councillor for Launceston South Jade Farrington said: “Hurdon Way is having a lot of problems with the grass verges there with people parking and it getting churned up. A tree might be a nice idea. And Woburn Green — I’m sure they would be interested in getting involved as well.”

Cllr Magaret Young also asked that St Stephen’s be remembered.

Ms Smith said she would enlist the help of Barefoot volunteers, a group of which she is a member, and a representative of the group, who was present said Ms Smith had their ‘complete backing’.

Cllr John Conway also described the idea as ‘brilliant’, adding: “This whole part of Cornwall has a long history with fruit growing. There are literally hundreds of varieties of apples. One name springs to mind — James Armstrong Evans — he has even written a book about local varieties. I’m sure he would be happy to help.

“I’m happy to support that it goes to the open spaces committee. I would also like it to go to the finance committee, I think this council should support it as well.

“It would be good for the town — something different we could do.”

Cllr Roger Creagh-Osborne, who said he had an interest in the idea as he has a 20-acre field nearby with 20 varieties of Cornish apples already growing, said: “There are lots of quirks, questions and ideas that spring from what has been said. I think we can take this a long way but need to do it one step at a time.

“I am wholeheartedly behind this proposal and keen to help with it.”

Mayor Cllr Brian Hogan said he felt the positive comments were the ‘general consensus’ of councillors.

It was agreed the idea would be discussed by the town council’s finance committee, then the environment and open spaces committee.

Ms Smith told the Post: “I’m so pleased it’s got interest, I think it’s going to be a great thing to do and in hundreds of years’ time the trees might still be around.”

Anyone interested in helping or finding out more about the project can contact Emma Smith by emailing [email protected].