We, the undersigned, are formally requesting a group Tree Protection Order for 31 trees on Aytoun St, Minshull St, Bloom St and Major St.

These trees have been assessed by the Councils Arboriculture Team, who have said “These trees probably represent one of the largest concentrations of large mature trees in the core city centre and are a valuable and unique arboreal feature. On this basis we are recommending that a group TPO is made.” However, since this assessment has been undertaken, no TPO has been made.

Green spaces, including mature trees, are vital in the city centre and must be preserved to ensure that we are combating air pollution and ensuring people’s mental health is protected.

A local resident on Aytoun Street has provided the following statement:

“I have lived in the city centre since 2006 and have always been conscious of how little greenery there is around. The 31 magnificent plane trees in the Aytoun/Minshull Street parking area are a hugely important feature in the area, and during the lockdown period earlier this year many residents commented on the value to our well-being of seeing them come into leaf as we went on our daily one hour’s exercise during our troubling spring. The pandemic has underlined for us all how important access – even in small ways – to nature is for our physical and also mental health.

A detailed survey of access to green space published by Friends of the Earth last month identified Manchester city centre postcodes as being in the category most severely deprived of green space. News of the planned park next to Piccadilly Station is welcome but we must also protect the few bits of greenery we already have. The Clean Air Plan being developed as part of the work over the next five years towards the Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2040 will be aided by the presence of mature trees. And the council’s Arboriculture Team, who have cared for them excellently over the years, have stated that these trees ‘probably represent one of the largest concentrations of large mature trees in the core city centre and are a valuable and unique arboreal asset’. We should cherish these trees, and for this reason I and my neighbours are seeking a group Tree Preservation Order for this set of 31 splendid planes.”

We want to see all the 31 trees to be protected for the future given their condition and maturity. Please sign the petition below by the 5th November to register your wish for the Council to put a Tree Protection Order on these trees. We need your support.