Agenda item

5.1

The Committee received the following questions from members of the public:-

5.2

Annette Taberner

Were Members aware of what has been happening in Nether Edge, Meersbrook, Totley and Dore, in connection with the removal of trees under the Streets Ahead Programme?

There have been instances of unmarked security guards, some masked, assaulting protesters and on one occasion, a resident in his own garden, when objecting to the tree-felling. The security guards and their supervisors have been refusing to show their ID. Felling has been taking place above people’s heads and over parked cars. Streets have been totally blocked off, resulting in buses transporting disabled children not being able to gain access to their homes, meaning the driver was having to walk them to their homes, raising safeguarding concerns.

Is this Scrutiny Committee the responsible body to oversee and scrutinise the Streets Ahead contract?

Felling is clearly not a last resort, and engineering solutions used throughout the country were not being used to retain healthy trees, despite residents being told they are costed into the contract.

How is the implementation of the contract being monitored this week, given the afore-mentioned allegations?

What are the forward plans for next year, and how many more fellings can we expect?

Are there plans for a proper maintenance?

Are there any plans to consult with residents?

Air pollution is very high – many reports, including one very recent one, shows how trees help mental and physical health – why are so many being felled?

What are the lines of accountability?    

5.2.1

The Chair stated that a written response would be provided to Ms Taberner.

5.3

Nigel Slack

Has any decision been made by John Lewis or the Council as to the future of the store by way of location?

5.3.1

Councillor Mazher Iqbal (Cabinet Member for Business and Investment) stated that discussions were still ongoing with regard to this issue.