Sheffield tree-felling programme temporarily halted

A temporary halt has been called on the controversial tree-felling programme in Sheffield for all trees except those considered dangerous.

Thousands of trees have been cut down in the city, leading to a series of stand-offs between protestors, contractors and police.

The council today said the actions of a handful of people entering the safety zone had made it increasingly difficult for the contractor to complete the programme - protestors say healthy trees are being unnecessarily felled.

Chris Rust, Sheffield Tree Action Group: