A NEIGHBOUR living close to a new housing development today criticised town hall bosses for felling dozens of protected trees.
Former school Fylde Farm, on Normoss Road, near Poulton, is being demolished to make way for 115 new homes.
The unsightly abandoned buildings – frequently used as a makeshift playground by children – were pulled down with only the towering trees at the back of the derelict site left.
The trees were protected by a Tree Preservation Order, keeping them safe from bulldozers – unless Wyre Council granted consent to reverse the decision.
And the authority has now decided to axe the trees because they would have encroached on the gardens of the new homes.
Mark Jackson, 51, of Sefton Avenue, says he is angered by the decision.
He said: “It’s unbelievable. What was the point in putting forward an order in the first place if they are going to hack them down?
“When the council put the order out I was very supportive and happy about it, but it’s so annoying when they go against an order saying they won’t disturb anything.”
A spokesman for Wyre Council said: “Wyre Council has given consent to the felling of 38 white poplars and several hazardous trees at the site because the new development places these trees in private gardens.
“For safety reasons they are unsuited to growing in proximity to dwellings.
“In replacement, 40 new trees will be planted to reinstate the screening once provided by the poplars.”
Louise Ward, of developers Wainhomes, said: “Our technical department have confirmed any tree felling taking place on Highcross Park is fully in accordance with the planning approval.”
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