MP Gavin Williamson speaks out over mature tree removal

The South Staffordshire MP, who was recently appointed Defence Secretary, was in the city on Friday when he spotted the trees being taken up along the A449 Stafford Road.

City of Wolverhampton Council had said in October this year it was removing a 'significant number' of mature trees from the central reservation in order to reduce it, and to ease traffic pressure on motorists.

It also said that it would 'mitigate the loss' of the trees by working with residents to plan new landscaping and tree planting sites in the area.

However, MP Williamson has said that a 'balance must be struck' in ensuring that the major route into the city centre remains pleasant for both drivers and residents.

Speaking on Friday, he said: "I am very interested in hearing what the city council is doing to replace the mature trees it is removing as part of these works.

"It is vitally important that a balance is struck in responding to the needs of motorists but also ensuring that this gateway into the city is not a barren landscape.

"The gateway into the city should be as pleasant as possible for those travelling in, particularly in an urban area such as this."

The latest round of works are currently taking place along the road between M54 junction two and Springfield Lane.

This phase will run until Christmas 2017 and involves lane restrictions on both sides of the carriageway from 9.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday.

A city of Wolverhampton Council spokesman said: “The aim of the £6.4 million M54 Junction 2 to Springfield Lane city gateway improvement scheme is to support job generation and business growth – ensuring there is the highway capacity to support investment at local companies.

“It provides access to major employment sites, including i54, Wolverhampton Business Park, and the Junction 2 employment area.

“The scheme is being funded by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership ‘Local Growth Fund’ and follows a six-month consultation with nearby residents and businesses.

“The works include the reduction of the existing central reservation and western service road verge to widen the road.

“This unfortunately means the loss of 46 trees ranging in size, which will be recycled.

“To compensate for the loss, City of Wolverhampton Council will be planting almost 300 new trees in the local area, including 29 semi-mature trees within the current works site.

“UTC Aerospace has also confirmed it will extend the hedgerow along its frontage to improve the screening from the road and the houses on the opposite side, which will also help to mitigate the loss of trees.”