Clifton Terrace Car Park – Protests

The Council have been working tirelessly to agree terms with the protesters that will persuade them to clear the car park so that it can be re-opened for community use. It has been necessary at all stages to liaise closely with the Council`s solicitors and indemnity insurers to ensure that the Council did not do or agree to anything that might prejudice the Council`s indemnity cover which protects the Council against any claims that might be made against the Council by the insurer of the home owners whose homes have suffered damage. The Council have today been able to communicate to the protesters` representative that:

1. The x2 trees (Oak and Horse Chestnut) within the car park will not be felled before 31 March 2025; and
2. All fencing will be removed. However, the fencing is on hire from a third party supplier and it will not be removed before next week. It will however be removed. And;
3. That, if possible, crown reduction work will be undertaken to the x2 trees by suitably qualified/accredited tree surgeons, to the extent that the tree surgeons reasonably advise in their professional capacity. The Council are currently looking into the availability of suitable tree surgeons, so cannot at this stage confirm when this work will be done. When this work is done, the area around the trees will need to be closed off for the duration of the works for obvious safety reasons. The Council intend to undertake this work in an effort to mitigate ongoing damage to the adjoining homes. Furthermore, if a viable alternative to felling the trees is found, it is highly likely to include crown reduction.

In response to the above, the Council sincerely hope that the protesters will now promptly leave the car park, removing all of their vehicles, belongings, and any other obstructions of theirs so that the Council can re-open the car park for community use as soon as possible.

For insurance purposes the Council makes no admission of any liability in relation to any damage to the neighbouring properties that may have been caused by the x2 trees.