THE leader of Worcester Green Party has called for the county council to “keep their side of the bargain” in replacing trees cut down in the city.

City councillor Louis Stephen wants the council to stick to its commitment to replace four felled trees on Bath Road, Worcester, which were considered dangerous.

This comes after the Government has announced plans to give householders more say on whether trees on their streets should be cut down by local authorities.

Environment secretary Michael Gove has drawn up the new policy in the wake of a three-year battle in Sheffield over large-scale tree felling.

“Four trees were cut down and replaced with three, but two died and we’re down to one – and now they’ve tarmacked over it all,” said Cllr Stephen, referring to the Bath Road trees.

The county council had the trees cut down in November 2017, with a spokesman saying they were “causing an inconvenience for people with disabilities or with pushchairs”.

“Due to the size of trees and the fact that the roots were forcing up the surface of the pavement, a decision was taken to remove them ahead of planned resurfacing work,” the spokesman continued.

“We will look at suitable, replacement trees in the area,” they added.

However, Cllr Stephen said he does not believe any consultation was held with residents before the trees were given the chop.

Referring to Mr Gove’s scheme, the councillor, who represents Battenhall, said he and the Worcester Greens were “definitely in support” because it will force the council to hold more in-depth consultations “before the chainsaws come out”.

He said often councils “don’t like to ask for opinions before they cut down trees, as people will be upset”.

“They cut them down first and tell them about it later because it’s easier to pick up the pieces than consulting with people first.”

He continued: “Most people are very reasonable, they understand that certain trees, if they’re diseased or a danger, then they’ll accept they need to be removed.

“It’s about treating people with respect and like adults rather than like children.

“Trees make the city breathable and liveable, and they are dearly loved,” he added.

Last year, several trees were also cut down as part of the council’s flood alleviation scheme which saw New Road, Worcester, road raised by 38cm.

Councillor Tony Miller, county council cabinet member for the environment, said: “In order for the New Road flood alleviation scheme to be completed, three small trees and four larger trees were removed. Our commitment to mitigate the loss of these trees was honoured when an avenue of 13 new trees were planted within Cripplegate Park almost a year ago.

“We can confirm that two further trees will be planted shortly in the existing avenue of trees on the park side of New Road.”

Referring to the Bath Road trees, a county council spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that we replanted trees in Bath Road, Worcester as part of our replanting scheme.

"We are continuing to work with the local community orchard and allotment site in regards to future plans regarding trees on this site."