AN HISTORIC 150-year-old poplar tree in Bromsgrove has had an eleventh hour reprieve after campaigners have lobbied the county council to prevent its removal.
The future of the tree now hangs in the balance after a felling order to remove it has been postponed by Worcestershire County Council.
The tree on the Stratford Road was due to be felled on Thursday, March 28 to make way for the council’s A38 Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Scheme.
After a notice was placed on the tree, residents and local councillors raised major concerns over its removal after neither had been directly informed of the scheduled felling.
The Standard understands the tree felling has now been postponed for the county council to have further discussions with site contractors.
In the notice, Worcestershire County Council said upcoming excavation work within the root zone of the tree necessitated its removal to make way for a widening of the cycle and foot paths along the central reservation of the road.
Campaigners were planning to stage a protest at the tree on Thursday morning (March 28) from 7.30am. One user said on Facebook: “People need to surround this tree and protect it. Actions speak louder than words.”
One prominent campaigner, Debbie Cerrato, has been distributing leaflets to residents in the area, informing them of the felling and urging them to campaign for its survival.
Liberal Democrat councillors from Bromsgrove District Council, Coun Siobhan Robinson and Coun Josh Robinson, have requested an emergency tree preservation order on the historic poplar.
Coun Robinson said: “I fully support residents in trying to stop trees being cut down.
“It’s really disappointing that the county council decided not to tell anyone about the felling.
“I’ve been in contact with them to get an idea of how many trees will be felled for the scheme and they’ve not told me as a local councillor.”
A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said:
“As part of the A38 Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme this tree is due to be removed for re-configuration of the route.
“However, it will not be removed on Thursday. Once we have confirmed further steps with our contractor, there will be further communications with local residents.”
