First trees planted after city centre felling

The first trees have been planted as part of a regeneration project in Plymouth, two years after the felling of more than 100 trees in the city centre.

Plans to redevelop Armada Way sparked controversy March 2023 when the then Conservative-run council ordered more than 100 trees to be cut down at night for the work.

A total of 169 trees will now be planted, with the first three silver limes having been anchored on Monday, said Plymouth City Council.

The authority said 1m (3.3ft) deep tree pits had already been dug at the site and ground workers would backfill the planted trees with soil.

Council leader Tudor Evans said: "We wanted to mark this moment – it is a big deal.

"Anyone who has been in the city centre recently will know that the scheme is cracking on at an incredible pace.

"There's a lot still to do but this marks the start of the regreening of Armada Way."

The council said the trees were semi-mature on arrival and would be put into position by mechanical excavators.

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