Controversial tree felling plans on hold

Plans to cut down three trees in a Falmouth street have been put on hold for "at least three months" following public protests.

Cornwall Council said the lime trees in Trelawney Road were due to be removed because the roots were causing damage to the pavement and road as well as a nearby property.

However, protesters demanded to know the exact reasons why the felling needed to take place, and climbed the trees on Wednesday to stop the work going ahead.

A council spokesperson said the work had now been postponed to allow for a full review following community concerns.

Protesters from a campaign group called Stop the Chop first gathered on 17 March when work to fell the large trees was due to be carried out by the council's highways wing Cormac.

Residents demanded to see an ecology report before the work was carried out.

After a 90-minute impasse, Devon and Cornwall Police's Insp Rick Milburn told the crowd there wasn't an ecology report and as a result he had advised the council to postpone the work in order for talks to continue between all involved.

The work was due to recommence on Wednesday but was again called off by police for public safety reasons after protesters climbed two of the trees.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said, following discussions with partners, Cornwall Council has now decided to pause plans to remove the three trees.

In a statement, a council spokesperson said: "The decision follows the expression of strong community concerns regarding the work and will allow for a full review of the practical steps to carry out the works whilst being considerate of the legal constraints that the council is working within.

"The removal will now be paused for at least three months and any future work will require a new application for a road closure notice.

"Although we cannot comment further at present, Cornwall Council will be communicating with community representatives before finally deciding how to proceed."

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