Petition started to save Chamberlain tree from chop
A PETITION has been launched demanding a 140-year-old tree planted under the leadership of Joseph Chamberlain is preserved and protected from bulldozers when the Metro tram is extended to Birmingham’s Centenary Square.
Last week, the revealed that the London Plane is earmarked for the chop when work begins on the Metro extension in Broad Street.
It is the last remaining of 99 planted under the auspices of the city’s most celebrated civic leader, Joseph Chamberlain, in 1876.
Campaigners from Birmingham Trees for Life and the Civic Society argue the tram could easily be run past without damaging the historic tree or its roots because it sits towards the back of the pavement.
But Transport for the West Midlands has argued that it will plant two trees for every one lost during construction of the tram line.
Now campaigner Dave Paine has launched a petition on the Birmingham City Council website stating: “This tree was planted during the time of Joseph Chamberlain and should have a tree preservation order. Birmingham City Council have the power to grant this.
“Alternative routes for the Metro could be implemented which would by-pass the tree. Again, Birmingham City Council have the power to demand this.
“London Plane trees have been part of the city’s environment for over 100 years and play an important role in reducing air pollution, as they are able to trap pollutants in their bark.
“The people behind the Metro extension claim it’s OK since new trees will be planted but this is unacceptable since it ignores the historic value of this tree.
“We do not allow the demolition of listed buildings simply because we are going to build new ones. This should be considered the same way.”
The petition is at http:// epetition.birmingham. public-i.tv/epetition_core/ view/