A car dealership has issued an apology after chopping down eleven trees in Wimbledon.
Trust Ford, who recently acquired the Cambria Automobiles’ Ford dealership, caused outrage across Merton after they removed a set of mature trees.
Formerly known as Dees, the Wimbledon site has been rebranded and opened at Plough lane on May 14.
On Saturday (May 15), residents slammed the company for "failing the environment" after discovering the "illegal" felling of eleven trees.
The Wandle Valley Forum suggested that the trees fall directly within the Copper Mill Lane conservation area and that the felling would have required consent from Merton Council.
Credit: Edward Gretton
They also highlighted the conservation area character assessment which highlights the proposals and policy.
It states: "Planting landscaping scheme that provides for additional tree and shrub planting to reinforce existing planting, to improve areas deficient in planting and to provide screening to Plough Lane and the Electricity Sub-Station."
Following the backlash, the company released a statement titled "We got it wrong" and listed how they plan to "heal the wounds".
A list of pledges include a £5,000 donation to a community allotments project and an invitation to their Princes Trust apprentices to plant a tree at every one of their 60 sites across the UK.
Councillor Edward Gretton
The statement read: "The health and safety issues around vehicle transporters were flagged to us before acquiring the site and prompted us to make the decision to remove some of the trees.
"Prior to this we had checked the position regarding any preservation orders and there were none.
"It was never our intention to cause so much upset, we genuinely care about the environment and are doing what we can to fix our mistake.
"We have also been in direct liaison with the local council and representatives from local projects and schools to ensure we follow up on our commitments to the community as quickly and as effectively as possible."
We got it wrong and for that we apologise profusely. pic.twitter.com/v9E6qcT0kS
— trustforduk (@TrustFordUK) May 18, 2021
Wimbledon Park Councillor Edward Gretton told The Wimbledon Times: "There has been tremendous concern across the community that Ford decided to fell nearly a dozen trees that were planted 30-years ago.
"I am pleased to say that Ford have now engaged positively after listening to the dismay of residents; they have apologised and will work to both reinstate the line of trees as well as planting a new line of silver birch trees along some 60 metres of the Wandle.
"They have also committed to planting shrubs or hedge cover under the reinstated trees, and I believe they may also be able to respond positively to local community projects such as supporting local greening initiatives.”
Wimbledon Times have contacted Merton Council for comment and await a response.
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