Southend City Council Commits to Tree Policy Improvements, Thanks to Green Party Efforts

  • Green Party Councillor Richard Longstaff has secured plans to increase Southend’s tree canopy cover from 12% to at least 15%, with measures including tighter scrutiny on tree removals, thousands of new trees, and an interactive map for resident input.
  • Cllr Longstaff welcomed the administration’s commitment to his proposals but pledged to hold them accountable to ensure promises are delivered.

Green Party Councillor Richard Longstaff has successfully driven significant enhancements to Southend City Council’s tree policy, with plans to increase the city’s tree canopy cover from 12% to at least 15%.

Discussions around the Green Party’s ambitious tree motion are finally gaining momentum, with Portfolio Holder Cllr Lydia Hyde recently announcing a comprehensive set of measures. While the motion was not debated at this month’s Full Council meeting, Cllr Longstaff’s proposals include tighter scrutiny on tree removals, planting thousands of new trees citywide, and introducing an interactive map for residents —all now under development by the administration.

“I’m encouraged by the administration’s commitment to my proposals after the inaction by the previous leadership. There’s still work to do, particularly on tree removal oversight which ideally should be brought to Place Scrutiny. Things are now moving in the right direction after years of lobbying, and I look forward to collaborating to enhance our tree canopy for future generations.

“That said, I will be the first to hold the administration to account if they fail to deliver on these pledges.

“I’m also glad to see a firm commitment from the leader to finally bring real trees to the High Street. This is a welcome step forward, especially after the Tories’ absurd proposal for fake trees at the last Full Council meeting.”

Cllr Richard Longstaff

The Green Party will remain focused in holding the administration to account, championing both social and environmental justice at every step.

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