Tree chopping along Gemini Close in Leighton has been slammed as vandalism by a distraught resident.

Workmen started chopping down the trees last week, and the woman, who didn't want to be named, telephoned the LBO angry at what she saw as "the murder of beautiful trees" by Central Bedfordshire Council down a footpath running from Beaudesert Lower through to the centre of the Planets estate.

The resident said she had received a letter saying the council planned to chop down a few trees and put in root barriers to protect others, but she says this has not happened and they have sawed them all down except two.

She said: "I cannot believe this. These are beautiful mature trees and they have cut them down – how can they get away with this? It is dreadful vandalism. It looks unsightly, it's just like a desert – totally bare. Lorries have driven all over the grass and now we look like an inner-city area."

But another resident living by two of the chopped down trees said: "I understand there is to be a cycle path and more trees planted when it is finished.

"Since the trees have gone I have a lot more light in my property and they did create quite a lot of mess. My only concern is the cycle path near to my front door and I have small children."

Central Bedfordshire Council said the chopping of the trees was necessary as it was carrying out essential footpath maintenance in the area and improving safety. Also, the trees were damaged.

Councillor David McVicar, Central Bedfordshire Council's spokesman
for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: "We are currently carrying out a footway maintenance and widening scheme along Appenine Way to help improve safety along this route.
  
"These works involve removing those trees which had damaged roots, as these had caused the footpath surface to crack and become uneven. 

"We will be planting new trees of an alternative species within the vicinity of Appenine Way at more suitable locations and we will also be installing a root barrier to help prevent future damage.

He added: "As well as the footway improvements work, we are installing new LED street lighting along this route. These new innovative street lanterns have both environmental and sustainable benefits, which will help to reduce CO2 emissions and reduce future maintenance costs.

"Work started on site on November 30 and a letter was sent to all residents living near the footpath, on November 27, to let them know that the works are being carried out. We anticipate the work to be finished by late January."

In another incident, outraged Heath and Reach resident Bob Reeve is demanding to know why trees at the junction of Plantation Road and Linslade Road, just outside the village, were felled at the weekend.

Mr Reeve claims the removal of the mature trees was "butchery and completely unnecessary". He said: "The trees were part of woodland in the area and at a junction with a very low accident record.

"The council will probably say that they have removed the trees on safety grounds to make visibility better at the junction.

"But this is a quiet rural location and people slow down when they know they are approaching junction."

What do you think about trees being removed? Let us know on news@lbobserver.co.uk