We are a group of local residents in Coventry

Save the Clifford Bridge Road Trees 🌳

Although several councillors are supporting residents and the wider Coventry community in their opposition to the scheme, the decision to proceed with a dangerously designed dual cycleway—requiring the removal of 26 mature trees – has been made by Coventry City Council.

The trees along the road vary in age but have at least 50 more years of good life in them. They would not be felled on the grounds of health, they are being felled because they are in the way of the dual cycleway construction. In the original scheme design, no trees were to be felled which proves the reason for felling is not on health grounds. This also proves that alternative plans can be designed.

Despite over 4,200 petition signatures, a UK-record tree hug, countless objections, emails, meetings, and massive media attention, not a single amendment has been made to improve safety or save even one of our precious trees.

We know these trees are healthy and have many years left. Some stand just inches from the planned work, yet while certain trees are being protected from root damage, others are set to be felled. These trees are an essential part of our neighborhood—they belong to all of us, and we want them to stay.

Coventry City Council has now announced a tree-felling date of February 24th 2025 in a local newsletter, stating that the trees will be removed regardless of the outcome of a second safety audit or disability assessment, neither of which has yet been completed.

This means that even if an independent safety audit finds the scheme unsafe and requiring redesign, it will be too late for these 26 trees. 

We believe that is completely wrong.

We are tired of being ignored.

That’s why we have started a legal challenge against this decision and have instructed a specialist law firm to represent us. This challenge may result in an injunction and/or judicial review, which could cost up to £15,000.

We have already sent a legal letter of intent to halt any attempt to fell the trees 

Please help us by donating and sharing—every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference.

This case will be representative of many other similar issues involving the felling of urban street trees without the agreement of citizens - particularly those directly affected. 

Should Coventry City Council respond to our legal letter with a continuation of the felling by reaffirming their intention to fell the trees, we want to issue an injunction and take our case through to judicial review.

We have been advised that we will need £15,000 to cover the legal fees, document pack,  barrister and court fees with potential cost liability of £5000.

You can read lots of media stories about our tireless campaign - here is a drone video of our 925 person tree hug.

Thank you so much for your support

Our Tie A Yellow Ribbon campaign video :

https://youtu.be/shZkiYpIJQg?si=cXM66rj1jDEJdUZP