Montefiore Road Trees Planted after residents and businesses join forces (17 March 2005)

Fifteen trees have been planted in Montefiore Road, Hove, after residents worked with the City Council and local businesses to raise funds.

Labour Councillors Simon Battle and Vince Meegan joined the tree planting ceremony this week. The two Goldsmid Councillors made a donation towards the Montefiore Road Tree Project, proudly funding one of the silver birch trees!

The Project was set up by residents including Ann Hallam and funding came from Legal & General, Manvilles, Pete at the Hi-Fi shop, the Grace Eyre Foundation and Cllrs Meegan and Battle. Plus on the day tea and cake was provided by the cafe in Montefiore Road!

The City Council arboriculturalist David Archer provided expert advice and support, and supplied and planted the trees.

Labour's prospective parliamentary candidate Celia Barlow also lended her support for the project by attending the ceremony.

Ann said: "The 15 trees are the first fruits of an initiative taken by the Montefiore Tree Group. Stage one of a project that eventually is designed to turn our whole road into a graceful traffic-calmed tree-lined avenue!"

The group now wants to finish the job with a further 15 trees and is looking for further funding.

Cllr Meegan said: "These trees are an inspiring example of what you can do to help improve the environment in your own neighbourhood.

"I hope residents and businesses will follow this example in other parts of Goldsmid."