City tree campaigners defend protest

TREE CAMPAIGNERS have defended their protests after they were criticised by residents who support the city council’s felling.

People living on Maple Grove, Handsworth, Sheffield, last week said they were happy to see several trees in their street cut down and replaced.

Residents said the large trees were causing a problems, such as damaging the pavement, and accused tree campaigners of failing to listen to their views.

But members of Sheffield Tree Action Groups – Stag – said most of the trees on Maple Grove and other areas where they have been campaigning did not need replacing.

They accused the council and its partner in the Streets Ahead programme, Amey, of felling healthy street trees.

Paul Brooke, part of Friday’s protest, said they had been there lawfully.