Residents express anger after incorrect tree felling resumes during housing development work in Killingworth.
Nineteen trees got chopped down on Killingworth Moor where Story Homes is doing work. Residents contacted Story Homes and the council back in January when they saw this.
Story Homes sent a letter of apology on February 6, talking about the next steps for 500 new homes. The firm promised to replace all the trees, including the ones cut down in January. The letter said residents could ask questions, but some people say they received it late, and work continued the day right after.
Story Homes says they must remove trees and plants for houses and a roundabout. They say the nation needs these new homes, and the plans were already approved.
Story Homes says they will replant everything later and replace the trees from January. They also promise to avoid further mistakes and are communicating with everyone.
North Tyneside Council worked with the company to review the plans and steps. The council will communicate plans to the residents, and surveys are being done on the local animals too.
A resident named Stuart Latimer is campaigning and stated that the trees were a barrier. He wants no more trees removed now and hopes they act as a barrier still.
Latimer shared that locals feel “extreme anger” about the felling. It’s a beautiful place for people and dogs, and he believes the whole moor deserves saving. Latimer is involved with “Stop The Killing of Killingworth,” a group that opposes housing projects on the moor. Over seven hundred and sixty people are already members.