Wellingborough: Protesters halt tree-felling plans

Work to remove more than 50 ancient trees to make way for a dual carriageway has been postponed following a stand-off with protesters.

More than 70 residents gathered in London Road, also known as The Walks, in Wellingborough, to block contractors from felling the trees.

The lime trees were scheduled to be removed as part of the Stanton Cross development.

The developer said the works in the Northamptonshire town were "essential".

Protesters occupied a footpath that stopped contractors from carrying out the works.

Workers are expected to return tomorrow to continue to attempt to fell the trees.

Marion Turner-Hawes, a town councillor and protest organiser, said the trees were part of the town's heritage.

Ms Turner-Hawes said the "ancient avenue of trees", including lime, could be dated back to the 1600s and was part of the town's cultural heritage, as well as a beautiful landmark.

"We don't have many natural beautiful amenities left in our community but that avenue of trees is that," she said.

"It's in the heart of many people in Wellingborough."

The Woodland Trust said a lime tree could be considered ancient at about 300 years old.

Rob Armstrong, 39, from Wellingborough, said it was a "definite shame" the trees would be felled.

A vigil for the trees was held on Sunday.

A spokesman for Stanton Cross Wellingborough said the tree felling was part of "essential work" and that hundreds of new trees would be planted as part of the development.

"The plans have been approved by North Northamptonshire Council and the work set to start on Monday is being carried out in consultation with a team of ecologists and arboriculturalists to ensure it is done in the right way," he said.

Conservative councillor Graham Lawman, the member for highways, travel and assets at the council, said he appreciated the "value and attractiveness of the London Road Walks" but said new development was "vital".

He said it was "never ideal" to remove trees but added it was "sometimes inevitable".

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