CAMPAIGNERS vying to save trees from being felled in Bromsgrove have set up camp under the canopies along the Statford Road in a bid to put a stop to the ‘destruction’.
The group, Revise BREP, are campaigning against tree felling plans to make way for Worcestershire County Council’s A38 Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme (BREP).
One of the trees along the Stratford Road, a poplar, is due to be felled on an unspecified date after August 2 as part of the roadworks.
“This is unnecessary environmental vandalism,” said Debbie Alexander, campaign organiser. “The tree is not even on the A38 and it is growing so close to a very rare protected elm tree that is also highly likely die.”
“Other species will lose vital habitat and we will lose the oxygen they produce, not to mention the imposing vista they create.”
Revise BREP campaigners are warning close to 300 trees have already been felled as part of the scheme with hundreds more under threat as the roadworks progress.
The group have over 4,000 signatures for their petition which calls for revisions to the scheme. Debbie Alexander added: “All our requests have been refused despite the support of some council members. This camp is a last resort.”
Devised to create an M42/M5 ‘corridor’ to relieve pressure on the motorways it will provide extra lanes on parts of the A38.
“Widening part of the road will only create bottlenecks where the road narrows again,” adds Jonathon Coleman, petitioner.
“It means more cars idling through residential areas and next to Finstall and Charford first schools where air pollution will be even greater than it is now with the loss of the tree barrier.”
In a response to previous protests, a spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council told the Standard:
“The County Council has made every effort to ensure there is little, if any impact, caused by the scheme in terms of noise and air quality.
“In addition, providing junction capacity improvements as well as encouraging walking and cycling will reduce pressure on the network.”
The council also state the cycling and pedestrian improvements will enhance links between the town centre and railway station for residents, visitors and local schools.
