'Save the Trees of Whalley Range'

One could be forgiven for thinking that Manchester City Council doesn't like trees (actually maybe they really don't). Last week's post showed the swathe of devastation which the planned Metrolink has wrought across the Mersey Valley. Also GMPTE are sticking to the plan to run it down the central reservation of Mauldeth Road West, destroying the trees down that avenue.

This week's post moves further north to the leafy (for now) suburb of Whalley Range. The City Council's Neighbourhood Services team are planning to chop down around 400 trees much to the consternation of local residents. Following rumblings over the winter months, the council set out in force yesterday (Monday 14th) with chainsaws at the ready.

They met a vigorous protest, as local residents and supporters gathered to defend their trees. And it was victory to the protesters as the Council had to turn tail, without a tree being felled, see report on the BBC website here. Green colleagues Ayo Ogolo (pictured) and Anne Power were present supporting the residents.

Unfortunately contractors returned later, but battle has now been joined!

However there is much more to this campaign than direct action; residents have been fighting for a sensible approach from the Council for months. On hearing of the threat to a large number of the area's street trees, a community group was set up called Whalley Range Trees . They are also on Facebook: Save the Trees of Whalley Range They will welcome additional support for the battles ahead!.

On other fronts:

- Manchester cycling campaign group Love Your Bike (linked to Friends of the Earth) are asking people to contact their councillors and transport chiefs over the imposition of steps (due to Metrolink) on the Trans-Pennine Trail. Link to email action here

- Transition Chorlton: The inaugural meeting at Wild at Heart went well, with a large number of ideas collected via post-its, see here Next big event in this area will be the Big Green Festival (more on this soon)

'Mega Tesco' - sadly the hopes may have finally gone of protecting the local shops of nearby Trafford, Stretford and beyond from what is possibly Britain's biggest Tesco. A Tory-led Government was always likely to back the Tory Trafford Council, and the well-funded campaign by Lancashire Cricket Club was always likely to stump the wishes of local residents.