Friends of the Earth Birmingham Action Briefing Apr/May 98

Locals Take Action in Moseley

On Saturday the 7th of March, a group of local residents and FOE activists staged a tree protest on Moseley Green.

This was to raise awareness of proposals to pave over the green, and remove the existing trees. These plans had been outlined at a Moseley ward sub-committee a few months previously, and although there had been very little publicity, a large percentage of the 40 or so people present protested about the plans. After this outcry, B13, the Moseley church's newsletter, drew up four sets of plans for the green, with varying amounts of grass and paving, complete with a voting form.

However, very few people in Moseley's wider community seemed to be aware of the plans, or the vote, so the tree protest was organised to publicise the plans, and encourage people to vote for their prefered option. The day was a great sucess, with more than 200 people visiting the stall, and coverage on BBC Midlands Today, Central news, Radio WM and in The Evening Mail and The Birmingham Post.

A large "Keep Moseley Village Green Green" banner, and a stall with coloured blow ups of the plans ensured that passers-by were well informed. There was a great response on the day, with almost everyone supporting the "Green" option, and most people saying they had previously been unaware of the plans. Many thanks to everyone who helped. It looks like Moseley Green will stay green!

Andy Pryke