Protesters opposing loss of trees gather 1,500 signatures

by | Apr 3, 2015 | Featured Slider, Latest, News

Campaigners who want to save trees from being chopped down to make way for a bus lane have gathered 1,500 signatures on a petition.

Sheffield Council is planning to remove 129 trees along Prospect Road and Myrtle Road in Heeley and put a bus lane in their place to cut journey times and increase traffic control.

But campaigners say the scheme, which will cost £480,000, will make traffic worse.

Heeley resident Dave Dillner, who set up the petition, said: “The majority is car traffic. I have already been told that they can’t widen the bridge before the junction of Queen’s Road, so the bus lane will not benefit anyone.

“We have 1,500 signatures opposing the bus lane and at the start you could count on one hand just how many people in the area knew about it until I held a public meeting.”

The plans would involve the loss of trees which back onto Heeley City Farm.

Coun Leigh Bramall, Sheffield Council cabinet member for development, said: “The purpose of this work is to improve bus journey times and service reliability, but passenger access, safety and information at bus stops are also key elements.

“We will aim to minimise the number of trees affected and those removed will be replaced by other specimens.”

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