Protest at Sheffield tree felling court hearing
- Published
Simon Crump (left) and Calvin Payne were charged under Section 241 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992
About 150 people have staged a demonstration in support of two men charged in relation to a protest against tree felling in Sheffield.
Simon Crump and Calvin Payne were arrested over a campaign to protect a 100-year-old plane tree on 2 November.
Protesters gathered outside the city's magistrates' court ahead of the men's appearance on Thursday.
Mr Payne, 44, and Mr Crump, 56, pleaded not guilty to the charges and will stand trial on 9 March.
About 150 people gathered outside Sheffield Magistrates' Court
The two men, both from Sheffield, were charged under Section 241 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, external, following the protest against plans to cut down the tree in Marden Road, Nether Edge.
The tree was cut down as part of a £2bn scheme to improve streets and get rid of diseased, damaging or dangerous trees.
As a result of the ongoing campaign to protect many of the city's trees, the council set up an independent panel to advise on proposed tree works which attract a certain level of opposition.