A VILLAGER in Westwood has condemned plans plans to destroy four mature apple trees as an act of “eco vandalism”.

The village’s parish council have outlined plans to chop down four of the five apple trees that line the footpath through Westwood park.

Now residents are being urged to sign a petition to stop the trees being destroyed after councillors said that fallen apples are a trip hazard.

Already, more than 150 villagers have signed the petition on the ipetitions website, with more protesting every day.

David McQueen, 56, of Chestnut Grove, who launched the petition in November, said: “They are fantastic trees and so far 152 people have signed my petition to save them, which is amazing considering the size of the village.

"This is the last chance to save these beautiful trees that are a resource for the children and residents of the village, for birds and insects and which provide habitat for wildlife. Cutting them down would be an act of eco vandalism.

“Westwood Parish Council want to cut down four of Westwood Park’s apple trees. These are located close to the swings - one is very large, but all are mature and produce a crop of apples each year.

“Some of these apples are edible, some are used by residents for making jam and cider, all are a source of food for birds and insects.

“The trees help combat climate change and chopping them down means less CO2 is absorbed, habitat for wildlife is destroyed and a source of pleasure for adults and children is reduced to four stumps.

"The council argues that these trees are ‘self seeded’ and because not planned should be removed.

“They have argued the apples are a tripping hazard, but this seems a massive overreaction to chop down healthy trees because of a few apples on the path.

“The tree stumps may also be a tripping hazard as well as a painful reminder of these lovely trees.”

Roger Coleman, clerk to Westwood Parish Council, said that after a "lengthy discussion" at their meeting on December 6 they have resolved to invite Nick Cranston, of Acer Tree Surgeons, to take action "in respect" of a Scots pine close to the play area and the four apple trees in the park.

The council has already paid Acer Tree Surgeons £250 for work to remove a branch of a tree that fell down during Storm Arwen.

Members also wish to take "precipitate action" to avoid other nearby associated trees or trunks being damaged in high winds and to plant a hedgerow to restore an existing hedge line.

Residents who oppose destroying the four apple trees are urged to sign the petition at https://cdn.ipetitions.com/user-images/petitions/save-westwood-parks-apple-trees-2

If they have time, they are also being encouraged to write to the parish council to say they oppose “this unnecessary felling”.

Emails should be addressed to Roger.P.Coleman@btinternet.com and include your home address in Westwood, or if living nearby, as otherwise the email will not be read by the council.