People power saves Bristol woods

Trees in an ancient woodland in Bristol have been saved from felling thanks to a local campaign group.

The 27 trees in Grove Wood in Stapleton next to the River Frome were set to be felled after the council gave the landowner the go-ahead at a meeting in June.

But members of the Snuff Mills Action Group, who opposed the decision, gathered a petition of four-and-a-half thousand signatures and dozens of letters of support for a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on the whole wood.

A report from council officers said the blanket TPO would not be necessary, but despite this councillors yesterday gave the order the go-ahead at a meeting at the Council House.

Steve Micklewright, chairman of the group, said: "I'm over the moon. I feel like Christmas has come early.

"What this does is protect the woodland totally, so that includes the 27 trees that the council gave permission to be felled earlier in the year.

"The order now makes it very hard for the owner to do any damage without having to face big fines or replanting. It gives it the best protection it could have outside being under public ownership, so it's fantastic.

"We understand that the council are trying to set up a meeting with us and the owner and we'd welcome that, if what he says about wanting to improve the woodland is true.

"This whole thing has been about people power. We've had four-and-a-half thousand people sign a petition and lots of letters went to the council asking for a TPO. If it wasn't for those people taking time out to do something positive, we'd still be struggling.

"It just goes to show that it may take a long time but it's possible to encourage this council to do right thing."

Lord Houshang Jafari, who owns the land, said: "I feel it is very unjust. The councillors just want the good publicity to win favour for the next elections.

"The report from the council officers defended the situation to fell the trees for safety purposes.

"It is nonsense that I plan to develop the land into houses. I was asked to cut down the trees by the Highways Agency because they are a risk to the public. I just want to make the area more beautiful.

"I'm going to appeal the decision."