Save our tree!

Local protest as footbridge improvements mean mature tree may have to be felled

Almost 1500 people have already registered their protest about the removal of the tree (see below).

Work on improving the Sydenham Park Footbridge which spans the railway line, between Dacres Road and Sydenham Park, is now underway. The second phase of the job – to replace the central span – is due to take place starting on the weekend of 12/13 November.

But a furore has developed as locals have learned of plans to fell the London plane tree on the Sydenham Park side of the bridge to make way for a crane. Initial investigations by the council to draw up alternatives are being explored although the costs of transporting a crane by rail are approximately £400,000 – and there is a long waiting list for this service. Working around the tree may mean finding an alternative such as using local gardens to site the machinery.

Council officers are currently exploring alternative sites for the crane.