A petition has been launched to save trees in Armada Way which are due to be felled as part of the transformation work.
The group – STRAW Save the Trees Armada Way – is calling on the council to rethink its plans and has already seen nearly 2,500 people sign the petition.
Organisers of the protest have attached signs to the trees which are due to be chopped down to raise public awareness of the plans. They have also distributed leaflets to shoppers highlighting the issue.
They have also enlisted the support of Luke Pollard MP and Plymouth Climate Hub.
will be for the chop
Campaign organiser Alison White said:
“Plymouth City Council want to chop down almost every single mature tree on Armada Way as part of their new £12.7 million development and replace them with saplings which won’t be mature for around 30 years.
“We don’t think that all the trees need to be removed to make Armada Way look great again. The council say they want to open the view up from north cross to The Hoe but in the latest plans the trees near the civic centre and the large turkey oak on Citadel Road are to be saved – although we don’t know about this for sure. If so how will the view be realised and if there is no grand view why do all the other trees need chopping?
“The only trees to be spared the chop are the young trees on the piazza and one large tree near the Copthorne. Mature trees are much better for the environment and water absorption.
“We are asking Plymouth City Council to incorporate the existing and beautiful mature trees into their new refurbishment design and not destroy one of the best things about Plymouth city centre.
She added:
“We want people who are opposed to the plan top write to their local councillors as they have the final say. If enough people voice their concerns, they might listen. If you aren’t happy with the response then write again!”
Information on the campaign can be found on social media including Facebook and Twitter and also at a specially created website which can be found at www.strawplymouth.co
