Axe might stop for 12 city trees

The Streets Ahead team, which is resurfacing all roads and pavements in the city, will carefully dig around the trees over the next few weeks to investigate their root systems.

The works will be carried out by a tree specialist and the findings will be analysed by an independent expert and Sheffield Council highway engineers.

Coun Bryan Lodge, cabinet member for environment, said: “If we can use practicable and affordable alternative solutions to retain trees, then we will look to do that.

“The council is committed to listening to the views of residents and the Independent Tree Panel and this is why, following advice from the panel, we have decided to carry out further investigations on these 12 trees.

“One of the trees that’s included in this process is an oak tree situated on Vernon Road which campaigners say is of significance to the city. We have more than four million trees across the city and since August 2012 the Council has planted a further 55,700 and created 17 new woodlands.

We are as passionate about maintaining them as the rest of the city. This is why we have made a commitment, through Streets Ahead to offer better maintenance and replacement of trees, so we do not see a dramatic decline in their numbers.

“We know that some members of the public will be interested in how this work is carried out by the Streets Ahead team. We do welcome them to see what we are doing, however I would urge those people to not obstruct the works or places members of the public or our staff in harm’s way.”

Seven of the trees are on Chatsworth Road, two are on Devonshire Drive, and individual trees will be investigated on Ashfurlong Close, King Ecgbert Road and Vernon Road.

Once investigations have taken place, the council will then make a final decision, which will be published on www.sheffield.gov.uk/treepanel