Cutting down of ancient trees paused

The felling of a number of ancient trees has been paused until the planned removal is explained to protestors.

More than 50 lime trees were approved to be cut down to make way for a dual carriageway as part of the Stanton Cross development, in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire.

A community engagement event was announced after a meeting between North Northamptonshire Council, developers Stanton Cross and the Conservative MP, for Wellingborough, Peter Bone.

About 20 trees, on London Road, known as The Walks, have already been felled.

Protestors gathered as the trees were being cut down and four people were arrested, Northamptonshire Police confirmed.

Marion Turner-Hawes, a town councillor and part of the Wellingborough Eco Group, who were against the felling, said she was "delighted" that it had the "temporary stop we need".

She said it was a "pause for clarification" and they felt "listened to".

"It's really important we get the chance to be heard to offer some really good solutions to help develop our amenities and to add to the work being done.

"We understand why some trees need to be felled, but we're not prepared for our heritage to be destroyed without any understanding why."

Jason Smithers, the Conservative leader of the council, said: "I think this is a positive outcome for The Walks and it's a positive outcome for the campaigners who've been absolutely splendid in all of this."

He said until the meeting had been held no more trees would be felled, and some of the trees might be saved.

A spokeswoman for Stanton Cross said it was a "very constructive meeting".

"We discussed how to minimise the removal of trees necessary to deliver vital infrastructure improvement works, and we have proposed a community engagement event is held this month to go through the plans in more detail with local residents."

Campaigners against the felling said the avenue of trees could be dated back to the 1600s.

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

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