Environment Agency roadworks ending at Victoria Road as lime trees protest to take place – Blog Preston - United Kingdom News Beep

Last week a public meeting, chaired by Ribble Valley MP Maya Ellis, and with representatives from the campaign group, South Ribble Borough Council and the Environment Agency, packed out the Yew Tree pub to hear the latest.

Alongside the fears about the future of the trees, which date back more than 100 years at the spot, concerns have also been raised about the length of and disruption of roadworks during the scheme.

A further public meeting is being planned for a larger venue and with more time for the Environment Agency and the borough council to take questions and showcase the plans.

Maya Ellis MP, speaking after the public meeting, says she was concerned about how the plans had reached this stage despite consultation. The EA has disputed that they didn’t consult widely and thoroughly on the flood defence scheme.

A family protest is being planned for the Royal Limes site on Saturday (20 June).

Campaigners are urging children, grandchildren, grandparents and anyone who wants to show their support to make their way to Victoria Road at 12pm to 2pm.

The static protest will take place along the side of the road in front of the trees.

Proposals for the flood scheme were approved in March by the borough council’s planning committee.

But campaigners say there are alternative ways for the flood wall to be built that doesn’t need the trees to be cut down and a judicial review has been triggered over the decision by councillors.

Meanwhile the petition has been laid in Parliament by Maya Ellis MP and includes a call for an independent review to be undertaken into the design methods proposed by the Environment Agency.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Our priority is protecting over 300 Walton-le-Dale homes and businesses from the devastating effects of flooding and felling trees is always our last resort.

“We can’t carry out construction from within the River Ribble due to the risk of causing environmental harm to the river, its wildlife, and the surrounding land. Relocating the works further inland is also not feasible, as the road carries essential utilities and regionally significant communications cables. Neither of those two options is financially viable.

“We understand the strength of feeling for these trees from the community and we’ve taken 180 cuttings to grow at a nursery and replant in the area.”

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