Vigil staged for war memorial trees in Sheffield facing the chop

Around 25 protesters gathered on Sunday to sing carols on Western Road, in Crookes, where 23 of the trees planted in tribute to former Westways Primary School pupils killed during the First World War are due to be felled.

Laura Gordon, the Liberal Democrats’ prospective parliamentary candidate for Sheffield Hallam, helped organise the demonstration with Sheffield Tree Action Groups (STAG).

Cabinet members voted last Wednesday to replace 41 war memorial trees which Sheffield Council says are dying, damaging roads, pavements or property, or causing an obstruction.

The council estimated the trees, which are being replaced as part of a £2 billion contract to improve the city’s roads and pavements, would have cost £500,000 to save.

It says more than 65,000 trees have been planted across Sheffield in the last three years, and 300 extra war memorial trees will be planted in the city’s parks.

But campaigners, who have questioned how the £500,000 figure was calculated, insist at least some could be saved.

Ms Gordon said: “These trees symbolise something special. We wanted to come together to celebrate that and call on the council to reconsider because of what they represent.

“If the council released the workings for the £500,000 figure, a more informed discussion could take place with campaigners to try to find a mutually acceptable solution.”