Clifford Bridge Road Trees
Statement from Beechwood Trees and Landscapes Ltd
Beechwood Trees and Landscapes Ltd is undertaking tree removal work on Clifford Bridge Road as part of our term contract with Coventry City Council. As the council’s appointed tree maintenance contractor, we are required to carry out work as instructed and have no influence over the decision-making process regarding tree removal.
The council has determined that the removal of these trees is necessary, and we have followed all regulatory requirements to ensure the work is completed safely and responsibly.
The Council have issued a statement as follows:-
We acknowledge the complaints regarding the early commencement of tree felling works at Clifford Bridge Road. We understand that these works are causing disturbance to some residents.
We would like to clarify the following:
Initial Attempts: We initially planned to commence works after 9:00 AM. However, these attempts were met with significant and persistent protests from local residents, which directly impacted the safety of our workers and the public.
Safety Priority: Due to the escalating nature of these protests, which included individuals placing themselves in potentially dangerous situations, an early start time of 6:15 AM was authorised. This decision was made to maximise the chances of completing the necessary works safely and efficiently.
Environmental Health Guidelines: These tree felling works are temporary. While we are aware of the general guidelines for construction noise, which recommend limiting noisy activities to 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM on weekdays, the unique circumstances of this project, specifically the safety concerns arising from protests, necessitated a deviation from these guidelines. Environmental health has confirmed that due to the temporary nature of the works, they would not be getting involved to stop the works taking place.
We appreciate your understanding and apologise for any inconvenience caused. We are committed to completing these works with the utmost consideration for both public safety and minimising disturbance.
If you have any further concerns please contact the Council directly on binleycycleway@coventry.gov.uk
We have employed independent ecologists to supervise the process, ensuring the protection of wildlife, including the safe relocation of bird and bat boxes. A specialist traffic management company has also been engaged to maintain road safety throughout the works.
While we respect the right to peaceful protest, some individuals have engaged in dangerous and disruptive actions, including forcefully entering our designated work areas, putting themselves at serious risk, and then accusing our team of unsafe working practices due to their own presence beneath the trees. Protestor activity has already delayed the work, increasing costs to the taxpayer.
Beyond this, some protestors have verbally insulted our employees, causing undue stress to professionals simply doing their jobs. We have also seen targeted, politically motivated attacks in the form of negative Facebook reviews. These platforms are designed for legitimate service feedback, not to be misused for political protest.
Additionally, our Managing Director and his family have been personally targeted, with private photos shared online.
This behaviour is completely unacceptable. Is it morally right to target hardworking individuals who are carrying out their professional duties?
Beechwood Trees and Landscapes Ltd is a local business that employs local people. Refusing to carry out this work would have jeopardised our contract with the council, potentially leading to job losses and negatively impacting the community.
For those who wish to raise concerns about the decision to remove the trees, we encourage them to contact Coventry City Council directly, as they are responsible for determining and approving these works.
Beechwood Trees and Landscapes Ltd
