LETTERS: Tree petitioners are full of self-interest

These various people and factions should at least have the honesty to admit their main interest is in preserving the value of their properties and has little to do with the disingenuous arguments put forward about preserving the traditional aspect of Sheffield or the specious reasoning behind protecting the environment.

There are trees all over Sheffield but I constantly read only about the trees in a relatively small area.

This screams self-interest.

I would suggest these people take a step back and realise that every phone call they make to the council, every letter dealt with and every meeting held on this issue is taking funds away from the rest of the city where money is desperately needed.

The timbre, (pun also intended), of Mr Kemp’s letter appears to relish the prospect of continuing these arguments through 2016 – wasting yet more council money.

I am moved by the majesty of a fully mature tree, my heart is gladdened by the siren song of wind whistling through the canopies but there is a financial cost in preserving older trees, however healthy, which is much in excess of the cost of culling.

I am saddened that self-interest is blinding some people until they are unable to consider that it is inherently unfair to expect the whole of Sheffield to shoulder the extra cost.

The council have many issues to consider.

The city has to be as accessible and safe for as many residents as possible.

Each year presents the hazard of fallen leaves and the damage tree roots cause to pavements is a menace.

I know from experience it is almost impossible to negotiate some of the areas concerned with a wheelchair.

I can only imagine the difficulties experienced by those with compromised eyesight.

Funds are tight and there are many arenas where the people of Sheffield would get better value for their money than funding a fight against the selfish arguments of a minority wishing to protect their leafy views.

Mrs Mason

by email