The first tree felling surveys have been issued to Sheffield householders as the city-wide controversy continues.
Residents in Dore and Heeley have been sent letters about the confidential online surveys – which will ask people what they think about plans to axe trees on their roads as part of Sheffield Council’s Streets Ahead contract with Amey.
If more than 50 per cent of residents disagree with the planned replacement of trees then the work will be reviewed by an independent tree panel.
The panel was announced after months of protests springing up around the city over planned felling, and will advise the council.
Dore resident Ann Anderson, of the group Save Dore Trees, said many trees had been earmarked for felling in the area and residents did not know if that work would be paused while the surveys were completed.
She added: “That’s completely undemocratic if they were going to do that.
“It has been like wading through treacle trying to get any information.”
The surveys can be completed online using a unique code or residents can request a hard copy.Ann said some elderly residents would struggle to complete it online.
Residents on some roads in Dore which are due to have trees felled have also not received letters.
David Dilner, of Save Sheffield Trees, said there were still many questions before the panel could start to review feedback.
He added: “We need to know exactly how this panel is going to work and who is on it. The website with the survey on is also not working for everyone.”
The panel chairman has been confirmed as Andy Buck but the other members are not yet known.
