The silent majority

Our council have long claimed that the huge majority of contacts they have received about street trees in the past have been about their nuisance value and the desirability of felling; indeed, that there is a silent majority of residents who support widespread felling.

By The Newsroom

Published 24th Feb 2016, 06:11 BST

Updated 24th Feb 2016, 06:15 BST

Save the trees campaign on Rustlings Road in Sheffield

If you are happy with a lovely tree outside your house, do you contact the council to tell them so?

Probably not.

If you object to the tree because you believe it blocks light or access or maybe dangerous, do you complain to the council?

Very likely, because you want action.

Hence more objections registered than support.

The council’s recent street surveys of residents’ opinions about specific proposals for felling has shown that in case after case there are more residents opposing the council’s proposed fellings than those supporting them.

Where is the silent majority who had their chance to vote for fellings but never appeared?

The council has successfully dispelled their own self-serving myth.

Christopher Pennell

RushleyDrive, Dore