Tree will be cut down despite objections

A LONG-STANDING sparrow tree in Monk Bretton will be cut down by the council – despite a ‘fuming’ campaigner clinging onto it in a last-ditch attempt to save it.

Rachel Stewart, a member of the town’s Stop MU2 and MU3 group, has been campaigning against the housing development on St Michael’s Avenue since it was brought to consultation.

Planning permission was granted for the site, and Rachel has turned her attention to saving a sparrow tree in the area.

However, Barnsley Council told the Chronicle the tree will be removed, much to her disdain.

Coun Robert Frost, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “We do appreciate local people’s views concerning the bush and I can assure everyone we have not taken this decision lightly.

“As a council we’re currently investing in planting more than 10,000 trees across the borough, and we only remove trees and bushes where it is absolutely necessary.

“It sits within the garden of a new bungalow which will become home to someone who will very likely be elderly, and may have reduced mobility.

“The tenant would be responsible for maintaining their garden, and therefore we must give careful thought to the impact on the future tenants, including over the long term.

“We asked an independent ecological consultant for their opinion, and they considered that the bush is intertwined with several species of vines and other vegetation.

“They advised that were it to be pruned, then it would soon grow back to its present state.

“We have just had a further bird nesting survey carried out which concluded that there are no birds currently nesting in the bush.It will be removed sensitively, in stages, and checked at regular intervals for any bird nests.

“In the unlikely event that active nests are found then vegetation removal would cease immediately and the ecologist will be contacted for advice.”

On Tuesday, Rachel jumped onto the tree in a bid to deter workers from cutting it down and, after submitting a complaint to the council, she thought she had bought some time before it was cut down.

But this was not the case, and yesterday work began to remove it.

She said: “On Tuesday they started cutting into it so I climbed on top until they left.

“I was in the tree for about 20 minutes – they know how much I care about it and it makes me really upset.

“All the birds are still sat in there – they don’t just nest, they’re always there.

“It’s unfair they should take it out. “The council just aren’t bothered and I’m fuming.

“I would look after it and the new gardens will be big enough – it’s unfair that it’s being removed.

“The council are meant to be increasing biodiversity, yet the majority of their actions end up killing off wildlife and their habitats.

“It’s completely contradictory to what they say. They give no consideration for residents’ wishes, so wildlife will never stand a chance.”