Protesters who are against the felling of four century-old trees in Newark have said they will “have to be dragged away” before they let work go ahead.
One of the founders of Protect Newark's Green Spaces (PNGS), a campaign group against the felling of four trees off London Road, Newark, said the group would “not rule out” tying themselves to trees.
It comes as activists continue to stay stubborn over plans to cut down the sycamores, all aged around 100 years, to make way for 21 extra car park spaces.
Dozens of people have been camping out at the council-run site day and night for the past three weeks as they increase pressure on Newark and Sherwood District Council to revoke their decision.
The council’s deputy leader, Keith Girling, said they would carry on with the plans due to a legally-binding agreement with the landowner.
However campaigners have garnered more than 4,000 signatures for their petition against the felling, which they will soon present to the council, according to Jenni Harding, who helped set up PNGS in 2018.
"The council won't communicate with us," the 70-year-old volunteer worker told Nottinghamshire Live.
"They're not letting us know anything. We've been standing our ground, dozens of people come to the site, kids and adults, and some camp overnight.
"The council's decision hasn't sat well with the people of Newark - we're not happy with them. We don't even need the extra spaces."
Newark and Sherwood Council say that despite protests usually being "passionate and respectful", events recently "took a turn for the worse".
They said staff were "verbally abused, called ‘scum’ and intimidated" whilst attempting to carry out a survey.
Ms Harding said that the group would not move easily but maintained that activists would always act within reason.
"We won't act out of the law but we won't go easily. They will have to drag us off, and I can't rule out that people will be tied to the trees."
Speaking previously, Mr Girling said: “The council is tied to the current agreement until 2034.
“There is no doubt there have been mistakes made during this application.
“In reality, when we take into account the running costs and maintaining the green space, the loss of revenue over a 30 year period, the real costs to the council taxpayer is more than £1m.”
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