BUNDABERG Mayor Mal Forman has confirmed there will be further public consultation in relation to the future Barolin St road upgrade, which threatens to remove the avenue of well-established poinciana trees.

It follows the public furore which came after the council announced that in order to expand the section of Barolin St, between Walker and George Sts, into a four-lane road, the trees needed to go.

The NewsMail took the council's decision to an online poll, where more than 150 voiced their opinions on what should happen to the trees.

The overwhelming response, which accounted for 43% of the votes, was to design the upgrade around the trees to try to strike a balance, closely followed by the 37% who said the trees should stay regardless.

A total of 18% said the council should remove the trees, with a majority of those saying more greenery should be planted in its place.

Letter to the Editor writer J Fry suggested in early January that an informal poll be conducted.

"The poincianas are beautiful and should stay if possible," the Bundaberg south resident said.

Another writer, Mary Argall, said: "Please save these trees in Barolin St. Use them ... as a part of your tourist promotion to show off what once was known as our "charm city", the appearance of which is fast disappearing."