Mark Whitehead 16 March 2023

Plymouth council contractors forced to stop tree felling

Plymouth council contractors forced to stop tree felling image
Image: AlanMorris / Shutterstock.com.

Contractors working for Plymouth City Council cut down 110 trees at night before an injunction forced them to stop work.

The council said it was part of a regeneration plan for the city centre which will mean the planting of 169 new trees.

But TV wildlife presenter Chris Packham branded the felling on Twitter as ‘despicable vandalism’.

The council said all but 16 of the trees due to be felled had been taken down and it would be pressing ahead to complete the plan.

Campaigners say they will continue to take legal advice to protect the few remaining mature trees.

The council decided to go ahead with the tree felling after months of delay despite wide objections from members of the public.

Campaigners who tried to stop the programme were outnumbered by police and security guards but managed to ‘get a judge out of bed’ to issue an injunction.

The council’s assistant chief executive Giles Perritt said: ‘We've listened, we have made more environmental improvements and have added more trees but our core priority has to be creating a smart, business-friendly, attractive, city centre.’

The council said the felling took place at night ‘for reasons of public safety and impact on the city centre’.

Ali White from campaigners Save the Trees of Armada Way, said the felling was ‘devastating’ and the group would seek a judicial review of the decision.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Financial Strategy Manager (Revenue)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we invest in our borough's future.Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we inves England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Manager - Locality

Wakefield Council
£55,979.00, Grade 13
Wakefield Children’s Services have been rated by Ofsted as GOOD with outstanding leadership. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Safeguarding Business Support

Wakefield Council
£12,792.00 - £13,634.50, Grade 5, 18.5 hours, Temporary- 12 Months Maternity Cover
An opportunity has arisen for an Administrator to support the Integrated Front Door Service Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Registered Homes Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 14 £48,710 - £52,805 (Pay Award Pending) plus £2,500 recruitment/retention allowance and £3,500 market supplement. The salary with additional payments equate to an earning potential per annum of £58,805 at the top of the grade.
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Manager, Connected Carers

Durham County Council
Grade 14 £48,710 - £52,805 (Pay Award Pending)
Are you passionate about supporting children to remain within their family networks? Do you have the leadership skills to guide a dedicated team worki Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner