Cycleway plans spark petition to save 26 trees

Residents said they had been putting yellow ribbons on trees which were at risk of being cut down in the road

Revised plans for part of a Coventry cycleway have sparked a petition to save 26 trees which are set to be cut down.

Coventry City Council unveiled proposed changes, including a reduced speed limit on Clifford Bridge Road as part of the 6km (3.7 miles) Binley cycleway.

But more than 450 people have since backed an online petition to save "the 26 beautiful, mature trees along Clifford Bridge Road that are at risk of being removed" to make way for it.

The council said they would be replaced by 32 new trees, while the cycleway would promote sustainable travel.

Will Delieu, who organised the Change.org petition, wrote: "These trees have stood for decades, providing shade, cleaner air, and natural beauty to our community.

"Removing them would not only destroy the green character of our neighbourhood but also cause irreversible damage to the local environment.

"The proposed cycle lane may seem like a step forward for sustainable transport, but it comes at too high a cost."

The petition calls for the council to stop the plans "immediately" and work with residents to find alternative routes or designs.

Resident Dawn McCann said campaigners were "shocked" at the number of trees to be felled and were making people aware by tying trees around those at risk.

Protected roots

The council's consultation on the tree felling is open until 12 September.

The Labour-run authority said if the plans were approved in October the 26 trees would be removed as part of the work.

"It’s important to note, however, that they would be replaced by 32 new trees as well as a range of low-growing plants," a council spokesperson said.

"Those trees would be planted with a special root protection system which would help them to thrive."

They added the section of cycleway was the "final step" in joining up the city centre, Binley and University Hospital.

"When complete, that cycleway will play a key role in promoting sustainable travel in our city”.

The Clifford Bridge Road stretch has been redesigned several times after residents raised concerns, such as over parking and safety.

The revised plans include building toucan and puffin crossings.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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