| |
The corner location of the new Nike store in Covent Garden |
Privet plea: ‘Save the evergreens for
the sparrows and me’
RESIDENTS fear a green corner of Covent Garden could be transformed into a “concrete jungle” when a new store opens next month.
The Covent Garden Community Association is protesting against plans that they fear could see privets axed or drastically cut back.
The Nike store on the corner of Neal Street and Shelton Street, replacing Shelly’s shoes, wants to have a new entrance behind the trees.
Carlotta Magnoff, who has lived in Odhams Walk for 26 years, said: “If the trees go I will feel incredibly vulnerable.
“It will absolutely take away my privacy. Without them it will be a concrete jungle.”
She added: “We have so many sparrows that nest there.
“These trees are evergreen. Birches will give no protection for me in the winter. It won’t be the same for either me or the birds.”
A Nike spokesman said the company was in talks with residents about a compromise, suggesting the trees could be pruned before the store opens as they believe that the overhanging branches are “dangerous”.
Martin Low, Westminster City Council’s director of transportation said: “No final decisions have been made, and we welcome the opinions of local people and businesses on how best to progress this.” |
 |
|
| |
| |
