"It is time for the leadership to take responsibilty" - Opposition councillors criticise Labour over "damning" report into Sheffield street tree controversy

Opposition councillors have welcomed an Ombudsman report into the street tree controversy but say there needs to be major changes at Sheffield Council.
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The Local Government Ombudsman report, which was released on Wednesday, found the council did not, at times, act with openness and transparency when removing trees across Sheffield, and when dealing with people’s complaints about that work.

Sheffield City Council was told to make a "public unreserved apology" to the city and a private apology to the family of Alan Robshaw, who complained to the Ombudsman but has since passed away.

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Coun Mark Jones, Cabinet member for streetscene, said the council was "deeply sorry" but the Liberal Democrats and Green Party have demanded to know why Council Leader Julie Dore was not leading the apology.

Coun Shaffaq Mohammed, far left, with Alan Robshaw, with clipboard stood next to placardCoun Shaffaq Mohammed, far left, with Alan Robshaw, with clipboard stood next to placard
Coun Shaffaq Mohammed, far left, with Alan Robshaw, with clipboard stood next to placard

Lib Dem Leader Coun Shaffaq Mohammed said: "The Ombudsman's report is damning. I want to pay tribute to Alan Robshaw who doggedly campaigned to hold this council to account.

"It's time to show some empathy that Alan is no longer with us. It should never have taken this long and for him to have to go to the Ombudsman.

"It's very clear that Council Leader Julie Dore is not saying anything about this. It is time for the leadership to take responsibility. This underlines how the council has dealt with the issue from day one.

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"The tree fiasco put Sheffield on the map for all the wrong reasons and I don't believe any lessons have been learned about openness and transparency."

Green councillor Alison Teal paid tribute to Mr Robshaw and said she believed Ms Dore should resign over her handling of the tree felling scandal and the public campaign mounted in response to it.

“Residents deserve a council that listens to them and respects and incorporates the input of citizens who care deeply about their community and the future of this city," she added.

Dave Dillner, founder of Sheffield Tree Action Groups and a Green Party member, said he wanted those responsible to be held to account. He said: “Without an inquiry Sheffield Labour and the council will never have clean hands.”