Cornish activist injured as police remove her from tree-felling protest | Trees and forests

A charity worker suffered a head injury when police tried to remove her from a protest against tree felling in a Cornish seaside town.

Debs Newman, 60, was “testifying” about the loss of three mature lime trees in Falmouth when she was arrested by officers.

Newman, who said she had never been in trouble with police, fell to the ground and hit her head, leaving her requiring treatment from paramedics.

She said: “It all happened so quickly. I think someone had my arms, someone had my feet. I heard a crack and my head hit the pavement. The next thing I remember was being in an ambulance and a paramedic was asking me questions. It was such a shock. It was all quite a blur. It felt like an assault.”

Cornwall Council said the trees on Trelawney Road needed to be removed because they were causing damage to the road, carriageway and neighboring properties.

But Newman, a member of the Stop the Chop protest group in Falmouth, said there had not been enough consultation. She added: “We are concerned that this shows there is little protection for street trees. This could happen across the country.”

She said she had known trees all her life. “They’re really part of the community. They’re beautiful trees.” she said. “I wanted to bear witness to what was happening. I didn’t want any trouble.”

Wendy Wilbraham, a 72-year-old potter, said she felt the police presence was disproportionate and criticized the way Newman was treated.

Devon and Cornwall Police said around 40 people were involved in the ‘protest’.

A spokesperson said: “Officers were present to enable a peaceful protest and to facilitate the lawful activities of Cornwall Council.

“A protester was subjected to use of force by police officers after she allegedly attempted to gain access to a secure area despite warnings not to do so. During this incident, the protester fell to the ground and suffered a blow to the head. She was checked out at the scene by the ambulance service and did not require further treatment.

“A complaint has been made in this regard and will be investigated in due course. No arrests have been made.”

Cornwall City Council said: “We recognize that this is an extremely sensitive issue and appreciate the strength of local feeling. Trees are only removed as a last resort. In this case, the trees were causing damage which constituted an actionable nuisance, leaving the council with no alternative but to act.

“We are satisfied that the removal of the trees was both legal and necessary. Four new trees will be planted in purpose-built pits in approximately the same location on Trelawney Road.

“Security measures were put in place on the advice of Devon and Cornwall Police to ensure the safety of everyone involved. This was a precautionary measure given the level of local interest and previous protests.”