I’m appalled by the felling of over 100 trees on Armada Way. This was an act of environmental vandalism, carried out overnight by Plymouth’s Conservative council.

The council has turned its backs on the thousands of residents who spoke out against the felling. It seems that public opinion has been drowned out by the chainshaws.

I am amazed that this expensive scheme is a priority when the council is slashing funding for vital public services across our city. We all want to see investment in our city centre, but chopping down nearly every tree on Armada Way was not the solution.

Here is a run down of some of the steps I took to try and get the council to listen:

  • 10 October: I raised concerns over tree felling during a briefing with Council Officers.
  • 14 November: I wrote to Councillor Bingley urging him to halt the removal of the trees immediately, following a conversation I had with him the previous day. You can read my letter here.
  • 01 December: I wrote to Councillor Bingley again warning the council against a tickbox consultation exercise on the trees that wouldn’t take residents’ views seriously.
  • 24 December: I again said publicly that the removal of the trees was a bad idea that didn’t have the support of residents: https://twitter.com/LukePollard/status/1606586241759252482  
  • 05 January: I had a meeting with Councillor Bingley and Tracey Lee to express my view that I opposed the felling.
  • 06 January: I followed up my conversation with Councillor Bingley and Tracey Lee in a letter to emphasise my concerns.
  • 21 January: I again urged the council to consult properly with residents.  https://twitter.com/LukePollard/status/1616722366926569476
  • 11 February: I pointed out that it was the last day of the consultation and encouraged residents to express their concerns.  https://twitter.com/LukePollard/status/1624365944293191681
  • 07 March: Another meeting with Cllr Bingley and Tracey Lee, where I expressed my concerns.
  • 14 March: A call with Giles Perrit, Deputy Chief Executive of the council, where I voiced opposition to the planned removal.
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