A CAMPAIGN group has been set up against plans to chop down trees to make way for new cycling and walking routes.

The Revise A38 BREP group is calling on Worcestershire County Council to think again over plans to fell more trees in Bromsgrove. 

Residents have also expressed their anger at hundreds of trees that have been cut down as part of the Worcestershire County Council scheme.

A poplar tree on Stratford Road had a 'stay of execution' on Thursday (March 28) after it was set to be cut down as part of the A38 BREP along with an elm tree that was one of only two to survive Dutch elm disease in the 1970s.

The new action group was started by campaigners Debbie Cerrato and Debbie Alexander in response to the tree felling.

Mrs Cerrato said: "Everybody's up in arms about it.

"Our first meeting was on Wednesday, April 17. Over 70 residents turned up all very angry at felled trees, wildlife threatened and bats seen around the tree.

"No one wants the cycle path along the very dangerous busy A38".

On Sunday (April 28), group members gathered by the threatened poplar tree. Despite bad weather, 50 residents turned out to raise awareness of the issue.

A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: “We are preparing to enter a period of consultation regarding the Poplar tree, which is due to be removed as part of the A38 Bromsgrove scheme to improve traffic flow in the area and ease congestion on one of the county’s busiest routes.

“The tree is not subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and arboricultural experts have advised they consider the tree to be between 40 and 60 years old.

“Details of how people can submit their views on the consultation will be shared shortly. All written responses received will be considered before a decision is made and we will write to those who submit comments to inform them of the final decision.

“The full scheme proposals went through a rigorous assessment process and, following a public engagement process, were approved by the Department for Transport. Where trees are removed, they will be replaced on a 2 for 1 basis as close to the area from where they are removed as possible".