No date set for when tree felling works across Sheffield will continue

Tree felling works across Sheffield will not resume today (Friday) despite contractor Amey originally saying they would continue with the scheme this week.
No date has been set for when tree felling works across Sheffield will continue.No date has been set for when tree felling works across Sheffield will continue.
No date has been set for when tree felling works across Sheffield will continue.

Amey said it had amended its programme of works as part of its £2.2 billion Streets Ahead contract and the delay was while it focused on other areas of the deal.

But question marks have been raised about the reason for the postponement after Darren Butt, the firm's operations director, suggested the entire tree felling programme was on hold following clashes between protesters and Amey security staff on Meersbrook Road, Meersbrook, last month during a live radio interview.

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A spokeswoman said: "Amey is still reviewing their working practices and getting on with other elements of the contract - resurfacing and street lighting - at the minute.

"We will resume tree works as and when."

The spokeswoman added there were around 250 trees left to fell and replace as part of Amey's Core Investment Period.

Arborists are felling and replacing trees deemed dangerous, dead, diseased, dying or which are said to be damaging streets and pavements.

Objectors to the scheme have staged a number of protests across the city, with demonstrations now held on a daily basis.

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There was a disturbance in Meersbrook Park Road, Meersbrook, on Monday, January 22, when a campaigner fighting to save the trees clashed with security staff, who have been given permission to physically remove trespassers from safety zones.

Trees earmarked for felling are fenced or cordoned off and a court injunction is in place making it illegal for protesters to enter the safety zones.

But a number of cordons have been breached, leading to a number of stand-offs.