Local MP, Gordon Prentice, was shocked to hear from Brierfield residents about the number of trees being felled on Garden Street and Chapel Street in the town.

The MP, who is an honorary Member of the Institute of Landscape Architects, said: “Residents were incensed to find trees on their streets being felled, some with nesting birds in, without any warning.”

“The felling was requested by the County Council on the grounds of highway safety, and passed by Brierfield & Reedley Area Committee in November last year.  However residents do not feel the tree roots were causing problems on the pavements and are angry that the felling has completely ruined the streetscape with a knock-on effect on property values.”

The MP added: “There is clearly an issue of consultation here.  I am in touch with the County Council and have asked them to hold off until the matter is resolved.  Suitable replacement trees must be part of the solution.”