CARLISLE'S Green Party parliamentary candidate has submitted a petition to the council calling for a stronger focus on protecting Carlisle town centre's trees.

The petition, which has been signed by 362 people over two weeks, comes after concerns were raised that a large number of trees in the city bearing orange paint was an indication that they would be cut down.

However, Cumberland Council has since clarified that only four trees are destined for removal, with the others "unintentionally marked with spray paint during the survey works".

Two are being felled to make way for the Greenmarket project, whilst another two are being removed having been affected by the fungus ash dieback. 

“The petition has been supported by hundreds of signatures within a short period, highlighting a clear concern over the council’s plan to remove healthy trees in the city centre for cosmetic reasons.

"This contradicts the principles of ecological responsibility," Mr Hawkton said. 

The candidate has called for transparency over council decisions, particularly about the two trees affected by ash dieback.

“I implore the council to view this petition as an opportunity to take proactive measures in preserving and nurturing our existing trees.

"Many of these trees, with their roots covered, face challenges in breathing and maintaining overall health.

“It’s been heartening to see the response from the public on this.

"There’s a clear desire to safeguard and preserve our urban trees but will our council listen?" he said. 

Those signing the petition included Sylvia Waghorn who said: "Trees are a life blood and all trees should be protected and require planning permission before removal." 

Responding to the petition, a Cumberland Council spokesperson clarified aspects of their plan relating to the Greenmarket and Market Square project.

“The decision to remove two unhealthy trees as they have Ash Dieback disease and two other trees situated in the construction zone for the new events space.

"Additionally, the relocation of the war memorial is part of the plan, with an agreement reached with the British Legion to move it, along with its benches, to a more prominent space within the market square.

“The council acknowledges the unfortunate necessity of removing two healthy trees for the project's realisation but emphasises that this is the only viable option for construction.

"To maintain the city centre’s greenery, the council commits to replanting new trees and shrubs.

“Cumberland Council assures the public that tree removal is a last resort, limited to instances where trees are dead, dying, diseased, or pose a safety risk.

"Future removals will adhere strictly to these criteria," they said. 

The petition is available by visiting www.change.org/p/protect-carlisle-s-treeshttp:// www.change.org/p/protect-carlisle-s-trees