Peter Garbutt
Peter Garbutt

How much can change in just 48 hours? On October 17th The Star reports that Sally and Brian Williams have been ordered to remove the amazing roadside flower beds they planted 28 years ago adjacent to Hollin House Lane, Loxley. This is down to Sheffield Council’s inflexible interpretation of the Highways Act 1980. Two days later, after a massive viral campaign seeking common sense, the council climbs down and Cllr Jack Scott is pictured holding a flowering plant at Sally and Brian’s house.

6 years and 3 months ago in August 2012 the council signs the Streets Ahead contract with Amey. A massive, global, viral campaign builds when it becomes clear that healthy street trees are being felled to meet targets in a taxpayer funded, public service contract the public aren’t allowed to see. Sheffield Tree Action Groups negotiators are backed by an ever increasing number of experts and have unwavering public support. When are we going to see the Cabinet member responsible, Lewis Dagnall, standing next to a protected Vernon Oak with the felling targets banished and a council commitment to valuing and properly maintaining our street trees?

Peter Garbutt
Sheffield Green Party

Letter to the Sheffield Star in response to https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/sheffield-couple-s-sadness-after-being-told-to-remove-roadside-garden-1-9399562 and https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/blooming-sensible-result-for-sheffield-couple-1-9403500

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