In Paris, the singer Sheila has publicly opposed the planned extension of Metro Line 1 into the Bois de Vincennes, according to actu.fr Île-de-France. In a message posted on Facebook on Monday 9 November, she said she recognises the value of developing public transport, but argued that this should not come at the expense of the natural heritage.
What is being contested
The project would extend Line 1 to Val de Fontenay. According to actu.fr, it involves installations and construction shafts located near or inside wooded areas. Sheila and local residents' associations say the works could affect several hundred trees and damage a valuable ecosystem on the edge of the capital.
Sheila also shared a petition launched by residents, which had already gathered more than 17,000 signatures, according to the report.
Support for the collective
The singer formally backed the collective "Touche pas à mon bois", which campaigns for the protection of the Bois de Vincennes and challenges the current route of the extension, according to actu.fr.
"Un arbre centenaire ne se remplace pas en quelques années."
She added that preserving nature also means preserving the future of coming generations. She called for alternative solutions that would meet urban transport needs while protecting the environment.
Open debate
actu.fr notes that it is not yet known whether this public support will change the project. The issue already involves debates between elected officials, residents and environmental associations in the Île-de-France region. The report does not indicate any decision on the route or the works.