Council says sorry for 'coming up short'

THE chopping down of 100 trees in Plymouth city centre has been called a “traumatic episode” in a major report, and the city’s local authority has been told to rebuild trust with the people.

- By WILLIAM TELFORD

Plymouth City Council has apologised for mistakes it made but insisted it was “not anti-tree”, as it published the findings of an “independent learning review” into the events surrounding the tree-felling on Armada Way in March 2023.

A panel of local government experts said the episode left “wounds still to be healed” and has set out a raft of recommendations. The council has vowed to stick to a comprehensive action plan to improve how it delivers major projects and engages with residents in future.

In the 76-page report, which looks at the entire timeframe of the Armada Way plan, panel members wrote: “There are wounds still to be healed for those individuals most directly impacted. There are pockets of regret, remorse, guilt, blame and defiance. It is important that the council finds a means to rebuild trust, internally and externally.”