Artist captures Queensway Gateway Road tree-felling

Emily Johns was surrounded by security guards as she drew while work began in the Hollington Valley despite the planning permission being subject of a judicial review application.

There was a heavy security presence, with a large number of security guards attempting to stop residents from taking photographs of the work, according to the Combe Haven Defenders.

Ms Johns has been documenting Hollington Valley over the last eighteen months and will be holding an exhibition of her drawings in May

“I am horrified and saddened at the further damage to one of our most precious local green spaces,” she said.

“Over the many months that I have been coming to Hollington Valley, I have spoken to dozens of local residents who use this area and who are devastated by what is happening to it.

“It is particularly disturbing to see the total disregard which [developers] Sea Change appears to put on protecting wildlife, and the strong-arm tactics used against anyone, including myself, who attempts to document what is going on.

“We are at a time in history when protecting the environment, and reducing carbon emissions, has become crucial to our survival, and to be building new roads at this time is the height of madness.”

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