charity Worker Injured During Protest Over Tree Felling in Falmouth
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A dispute over the removal of mature trees in a Cornish seaside town escalated Thursday when a charity worker sustained a head injury during a confrontation with police.
A 60-year-old woman, identified as Debs Newman, was injured while protesting the felling of three lime trees in Falmouth. Newman, a member of the local Stop the Chop protest group, alleges she was forcibly removed from the area by officers and subsequently fell, striking her head on the pavement. The incident has sparked concerns about police tactics and the protection of urban trees.
Protester Describes Chaotic Scene
Newman recounted the events, stating, “it all happened so quickly. I think someone had my arms, someone my feet. I heard a crack and my head hit the pavement. The next thing I remember was being in an ambulance and a paramedic asking me questions. It was such a shock. Everything was quite blurry. It felt like an assault.” paramedics assessed Newman at the scene, and while initial reports indicate she did not require further hospital treatment, the incident has raised questions about the level of force used.
Council cites Safety Concerns
Cornwall council maintains the trees on Trelawney Road were removed due to structural issues posing a risk to public safety. According to a council statement, the trees were causing “damage that constituted an actionable nuisance” to the road, pavement, and nearby properties. The council emphasized that tree removal is “only ever removed as a last resort” and that the decision was both “lawful and necessary.”
The council plans to plant four new trees in the same location, utilizing “purpose-built tree pits” to mitigate future issues.
Concerns Over Consultation and Police Response
Newman and other members of the Stop the Chop group argue that insufficient consultation took place before the trees were felled. “We’re worried this shows there’s little protection for street trees. This could happen all over the country,” Newman added,expressing fears about the broader implications for urban forestry. she emphasized the trees’ importance to the local community, stating, “They are very much part of the community. They are great trees. I wanted to bear witness to what was happening. I didn’t want any trouble.”
Another witness, a 72-year-old potter named wendy wilbraham, criticized the police presence as “disproportionate” and expressed concern over Newman’s treatment.
Police Statement and Examination
Devon and Cornwall police confirmed that approximately 40 people were involved in the “exhibition.” A police spokesperson stated that officers were present to “enable peaceful protest and facilitate lawful activity” by the council.
The spokesperson acknowledged that “one protester was subject to a use of force from officers after allegedly trying to access a secured area despite warnings not to do so.” During the incident, the protester fell and sustained a head injury. The police confirmed a complaint has been filed regarding the incident and will be investigated. No arrests were made.
The situation highlights the growing tension between local authorities, environmental activists, and the public regarding urban growth and the preservation of green spaces. The i
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