Dear All!

First of all, can I say a massive thank you to everyone who came early on Monday morning to stand with the trees on a day that we thought would be their last. But, it turned out that a last minute, and I fear temporary reprieve, was given because Cornwall Council could not provide essential paperwork to the police who were present from 7.30am.

There are very strict laws about felling trees because of the homes they provide to wildlife, especially birds and bats. An ecology report needs to have been completed before any felling occurs. 

On Monday morning, we asked the Council representatives, Cormac to show us the required ecology report. They said that it had been done and that everything was in place. The police then intervened because they know that causing harm to wildlife by felling trees is against the law. They also asked to see the ecology report. Cormac said that it had been written and was being sent through. They kept telling the police this for at least an hour. Then finally, the Inspector present gathered everyone and announced that he could confirm that there was no ecology report and that there would be no felling that day.

This was of course a massive relief but highlighted exactly what we have been and what we are up against with Cornwall Council on this matter. What was witnessed by everyone present, was that Cornwall Council via Cormac attempted to mislead the police about the existence of a vital document. When asked about this being "a lie" the Inspector said that it would be escalated if need be. The Inspector then invited a spokesperson for the Stop the Chop campaign to come into the station to discuss the backstory of the Trelawney trees. 

We understand that a Council meeting took place on Monday afternoon attended by the police and that further Council meetings were happening yesterday. We believe that the Council will be preparing an ecology report. It is very probable that when this is in place, the trees will be felled. We understand that a meeting being held this morning, Wednesday, 19th March may outline the next steps.

We have tried to arrange a meeting with the police as invited on Monday but have been told that this is not possible at the moment. We have been told to wait for the outcome of the meeting today. 

And that's where we are. The Council clearly did not get the actual act of felling the trees right because it lacked the essential document to do so. Likewise, there are still unanswered questions about the decision making process itself ie. exactly how it was decided to fell three healthy and mature lime trees in a conservation area. Remember, the only normal rule for doing this, is if a tree is dead, dying or poses an imminent risk. The Trelawney trees absolutely do not meet these criteria. 

We are questioning the proportionality of the Councils proposed action to fell three healthy trees and how this came about. Following an application for boundary wall work in 2021, the recommendation on the Councils planning portal was for one tree root to be pruned and a root barrier installed by the Council. Now three trees are to be chopped down. 

Since December 2024, we have been requesting the Council to provide evidence that justifies this action. None has been provided. Our FOI request has been withheld with the comment, "we are of the opinion that the balance of public interest favours non disclosure of this information in all circumstances of the case at this time". We have asked for an internal review of this decision.

What we do know is that one County Councillor has publicly withdrawn his support for the scheme having been made aware of additional information that caused him to change his position writing that he did not now feel that, "the action being taken is in proportion to environmental risks identified". What is that "additional information" and why can't the public see it?

We also know that the mayor and effective leader of Falmouth Town Council has written to Cornwall Highways, Cormac, Cornwall Council CEO and various Councillors stating, "I cannot express strongly enough that I do not want to see any inference in the future to FTC'S complicity in this (decision to fell) as we were not given the information required to make a complete determination".

It would appear that Cornwall Council has more information on its decision to fell three healthy trees on Trelawney Road, Falmouth than it is willing to share with FTC or the public at the very least. This seems at complete odds to its governance statement on line which is worth quoting in full;

"In relation to decision making, governance is about the rules, processes and laws by which the Council is operated, regulated, controlled and held to account. It makes sure that decisions take public opinion into account, reflect and respond to the needs of local people, are evidence based and are transparent and accountable".

This is in fact what we are asking the Council, "please show us the evidence that justifies chopping down three beloved street trees that provide great amenity value to the environment and local community", 

Surely this basic question is not unreasonable to ask of our elected representatives? 

But instead Cornwall Council are witholding information, providing misinformation and as witnessed on Monday openly misleading the police and public. Given the evidence actually held, how can we have confidence that this elected body has made the right decision for the Trelawney trees? This question could of course be further expanded.

In the meantime, the fate of the Trelawney trees continues to hang in the balance.

Once again,

Thank you everyone!

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