Under the new Urban Design Plan for Clonmel, Tipperary Co Council have decided to cut down all the mature trees in the town centre and replace them with young ornamental trees instead. They say that the old trees don't fit in with the new design and have listed various other arguments. We think that they should work with the existing beautiful trees and adapt their design instead! Most of these trees are fine specimens, in good health and providing shade and character to the town centre, as well as being good for biodiversity and carbon storage. We've already asked the Council to reconsider their decision and to allow a tree expert to review the matter but they have refused to do this unfortunately. As there is no funding for the new plan, its implementation will be delayed for years, so there is plenty of time for the Council to listen to the people and carry out a review of the plan to cut down all the trees. But if we don't act quickly to get a review, the designers will sign off on the plan and it will be much harder to change it later! That's why we need your signature now to force a change of heart by the County Council.