More greenery in town after racecourse tree felling row

The new trees have been planted at Cantley Park and cover an equivalent area to the site where 2,000 trees were cut down at Town Moor.

The trees were felled on the orders of Mayor Peter Davies, who complained that they were restricting views of the action at Doncaster Racecourse.

Mr Davies said yesterday: “The racecourse is one of our most important assets, and the economic benefits that it brings to Doncaster are considerable.

“As with any world-class sporting venue, it is vital that race goers can enjoy as unrestricted a view as possible.

“Some of the work we have undertaken will also encourage the natural regeneration of the heathland and acid grassland at Doncaster Common.”

As well as the new trees at Cantley Park, heather, shrubs and fruit trees have been planted on the site at Town Moor where the trees were previously cut down.

In January, protesters attempted to stop the trees being cleared from the centre of Doncaster racecourse but were forced to give up after a stand-off with council workers.

Police could not forcibly remove campaigners from the site as the land is officially recognised as a common.

Members of the Friends of Doncaster Common group had argued that the trees should not be cut down, especially at a cost to taxpayers.