Councillor urges public to oppose ‘ludicrous’ tree felling plan across Willenhall
A Willenhall South councillor has objected to the felling of three mature trees and has encouraged residents to do the same.
The trees on Rosehill and New Road are set to be removed by Walsall Council after it was decided that they would ‘obscure visibility’ once an incoming cycle junction has been installed.
According to the council, the apple, lime and plane tree have a combined life expectancy of 160 years and a combined amenity value of more than £97,000.
Councillor Simran Cheema, representing Willenhall South, said the council is contradicting itself by choosing to fell them.
She said: “The council are seeming to encourage residents to go green by installing cycle lane infrastructure, however, they are wanting to remove trees in the same sentence.
“The trees are not dead, decayed or diseased, which would warrant felling.
“The trees situated on Rosehill and New Road have been standing for about 100 years and adds much needed greenery and street scene to the area.
“I am calling for Walsall Council to carry out much needed maintenance on the trees instead of removal.
"I urge all residents who share similar concerns to participate in the consultation.”
As reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, local resident Harkie Chahal described the council’s decision to fell the trees as ‘ludicrous’.
She said: “The council has reduced grass cutting, they talk about nature and wildlife, then they say they’re going to fell the trees.
"The lack of common sense makes my blood boil.”
Residents have until July 18 to submit any objections to the felling of the three trees.
A spokesman for Walsall council said: “Residents are invited to give their views on the tree felling.
"This consultation will end on July 18, 2025, at which point, responses will be reviewed and considered.”
