Eco warriors slam retail giant after trees get chop
AN ENVIRONMENTAL group has hit out after a large amount of mature trees and shrubbery was cut down at a Macclesfield superstore.
The chopping took place at the Hibel Road Tesco this week and has been strongly criticised by Extinction Rebellion.
The group claimed on Tuesday it involved a 70m section of mature trees that were up to 30m tall, shrubbery and undergrowth, that provided wildlife habitat and reduced carbon emissions.
Members estimate around 40 trees were felled, but the supermarket says new ones will be planted and has apologised for any inconvenience as shoppers also noticed the destruction.
Hilary Jack said: “It’s terrible to see so many trees being cut down unnecessarily - especially as many people are focusing on planting trees and protecting the environment at this time of climate crisis.”
The customer claimed this kind of action “goes against everything” within its recently released sustainability policy, adding that she had written to the retail giant but received “no adequate explanation.”
The Macclesfield Extinction Rebellion Group, who protested outside the store on Sunday, August 21, says members complained to management.
They say they were told it was to deal with overgrown bushes that staff were grazing themselves on, and pest control concerns. They have questioned whether this necessitated cutting down, rather than cutting back or pruning.
Extinction Rebellion said people were shocked that the firm would cut down all the trees without consulting the community.
A spokesman added: “We completely reject this explanation.
“There is no safety issue for staff as the area is fenced off and runs with access alongside the A6. We ask them to replace the damage they have caused while committing to preserving the rest of the mature woodland on site.”
The supermarket said the work was done with landlord agreement, had all relevant permissions and involved no trees with preservation orders.
Their spokesman added: “We’ve recently carried out some work to the area outside our Macclesfield Hibel Road Superstore to give our customers a better experience.
“We’re making sure new trees will be planted on the site in due course and we’re sorry for any inconvenience caused.”