Sheffield residents urged to have their say on controversial tree felling scheme

(l-r) Sarah Lagden, Dave Dilner, Karine Zbinden and Ann Anderson next to a tree on Devonshire Road, which was due to be felled. Picture: Andrew Roe

Sheffield residents are being urged to have their say on a controversial scheme that has involved felling thousands of city trees sparking major protests.

More than 14, 000 people have signed various petitions calling for an end to tree felling as part of Sheffield City Council’s £2.2bn Streets Ahead project to upgrade roads, pavements and streetlights.

More than 3000 trees have been replaced since 2012 and protestors say those in a number of areas, including Rustlings Road, near Endcliffe Park, Bannerdale and Nether Edge, should be protected. Despite the backlash, the Streets Ahead team is asking residents to complete a questionnaire on the works so far.

Councillor Bryan Lodge, cabinet member for the environment, said: “We are almost four years into the five year period of upgrade works. We have completed more than 450 miles of road resurfacing and more than 1,000 miles of pavement resurfacing.

“This questionnaire is designed to gauge residents and businesses views. This data will help the team as we move from the upgrading phase to the maintenance phase of the contract.”

Campaigners insist there are alternatives to removing trees, while the council claims there is no other solution. Visit sheffield.citizenspace.com/place-business-strategy/streets-ahead-scheme-feedback-survey