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Retention of 12 trees to be explored

16 June 2016

The Streets Ahead team is set to carry out further work to establish if 12 street trees can be retained.

Following advice received from the Independent Tree Panel, in the coming weeks the team will carefully hand dig around 12 trees to expose the root system.

The works will be carried out by Streets Ahead tree specialist and the data and findings will be analysed by an independent expert and Council highway engineers.

All this information will then be collated, along with the Independent Tree Panel’s advice and Sheffield City Council will then make a final decision on each of the trees. This decision along with the panel’s advice will be published online via www.sheffield.gov.uk/treepanel

Cllr Bryan Lodge, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “If we can use practicable and affordable alternative solutions to retain trees, then we will look to do that.

“The council is committed to listening to the views of residents and the Independent Tree Panel and this is why, following advice from the panel, we have decided to carry out further investigations on these 12 trees.

“One of the trees that’s included in this process is an oak tree situated on Vernon Road which campaigners say is of significance to the city.

“We have more than four million trees across the city and since August 2012 the Council has planted a further 55,700 and created 17 new woodlands. We are as passionate about maintaining them as the rest of the city. This is why we have made a commitment, through Streets Ahead to offer better maintenance and replacement of trees, so we do not see a dramatic decline in their numbers.

“We know that some members of the public will be interested in how this work is carried out by the Streets Ahead team. We do welcome them to see what we are doing, however I would urge those people to not obstruct the works or places members of the public or our staff in harm’s way.”