Tree lovers in the Starley Road area of Coventry are being reassured by the City Council that a grand total of thirteen new trees are to be planted near the entrance to the new LeisureWorld and Arena development.

Four trees had to be removed from Croft Road in the last few days after careful consideration of pedestrian safety and the highway requirements. The removal of these trees has come about after an amendment to the original LeisureWorld planning application in March 1998. The amendment requiring their removal was advertised in public according to the usual procedures, but no objections were raised at the time.

When approval was given to the highway works (Croft Road, and the junction of Croft Road with Queen Victoria Road) it was considered the four trees in question needed to be removed to completely ensure safe access into the new development.

James Russell, City Development Assistant Director for Strategy and Planning said,

"Important safety issues called for the removal of the trees that were there, but I’m pleased to say that in a short time, thirteen extra trees will be planned. We fully appreciate the concerns of the local residents, but in time all the extra greenery alongside the LeisureWorld site will help improve the environment around this prestigious development."