UPDATED: Sheffield tree felling can legally resume but council pledge not to

Heeley tree campaigner Dave Dilner was granted an interim injunction in February, preventing Sheffield Council and its contractor Amey felling trees.

Today a judge in London’s High Court lifted the injunction with immediate effect – meaning the council are legally allowed to start felling trees straight away.

But Sheffield Council has said it ‘will not resume the full street tree replacement programme’ as they ‘want to make sure that our work with communities on this issue is right’.

It is understood the judge will deliver the final verdict on the Streets Ahead programme in 10 days.

Mr Dilner said: “I am extremely concerned at the discharge of the injunction because of the risks to the trees we have fought so hard to protect and put our hope in the City acting responsibility during the period before the judgment is handed down.”

Simon Green, executive director for place, said: “We are delighted that the court has agreed with the council’s case to have the tree injunction lifted.

“However, we have been clear throughout that we want to make sure that our work with communities on this issue is right, so we will not resume the full street tree replacement programme until we have had the court’s final decision.

“We will of course continue to assess our trees and replace those that are dangerous.”