THIRTEEN ‘Itchy Bomb’ trees in May Street, Hamilton, will be removed and replaced due to health impacts on local residents, after a decision was carried by the Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) at its ordinary meeting this week.

May Street residents circulated a petition to have the Lagunaria patersonia (aka Itchy Bomb or Norfolk Island Hibiscus) trees removed and submitted it to Council in April this year, expressing health concerns including breathing difficulties and skin allergies.