Tories cut down 2,000 trees while not planting a single one despite million pledge

A year after pledging to plant one million trees by 2030, Gloucestershire County Council has admitted it has not planted a single tree - instead cutting down 2,338 across the county.

In December 2019 the Tory-run cabinet committed to "planting a million trees by 2030" across the county.

But after scrutiny from Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, it has finally emerged that in the 12 months since making the pledge the Conservatives have failed to plant a single tree.

It has also been revealed 2,338 trees were cut down in the last 12 months, without a single replacement being planted - leaving Gloucestershire facing a net loss of 2,338 trees.

Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, leader of Gloucestershire Liberal Democrats, said: "The Conservative Council frequently shouts about their green credentials, yet after examination none of their claims stack up.

"Just this morning, it has emerged that, despite, last year, promising to plant a million trees by 2030, they have not planted a single one.

"Indeed, it was revealed that they have cut down 2,338 trees without a single replacement, leaving us in a worse position than the year before.

"Yet again, the Conservatives have failed to deliver. Gloucestershire deserves better than their empty promises."