PARISH councillors in Westwood have put plans on hold to chop down four apple trees after an outcry by angry villagers.

More than 200 residents signed a petition launched by David McQueen to save the 30-year-old apple trees in the village park.

Mr McQueen, 56, who launched the petition in November, condemned the plans to destroy the mature apple trees labelling it 'eco vandalism'.

The parish council claimed the fallen fruit from the trees were a 'trip hazard' and a danger to the health and safety of people walking through the park.

Now they have put their proposals on hold and plan to work with the newly-formed Westwood Biodiversity Group on a way forward.

READ MORE: Council to cut down trees over fallen apples 'trip hazard'

Following the outcry, parish council chairman John Bishop said: "Following a significant number of objections received by the parish council regarding apple trees in the park it has become necessary to post a response, particularly given the information used by correspondents is inaccurate.

"The trees in question are neglected formerly ornamental trees that did not, originally, drop fruit but have, over time, reverted to their root stock.

"As a result, they now produce small apples that fall over the main path through the park and are largely left to rot over some months. Given the condition of the trees it was decided to take the measures resolved.

"The parish council considered it appropriate to replace the neglected trees with ornamental trees more suited to the location next to the path.

"However, as soon as objections started arriving the parish councillors put any work on hold and will be considering the matter further at a subsequent meeting."

Wiltshire Times: Westwood Parish Council want to cut down four of Westwood Park’s apple trees because the fruit which falls to the ground is a ''tripping hazard''Westwood Parish Council want to cut down four of Westwood Park’s apple trees because the fruit which falls to the ground is a ''tripping hazard''

Mr Bishop says the council's new park and environment working group is looking forward to working with the newly-formed Westwood Biodiversity Group to develop a plan for future planting and maintenance of Westwood park.

"We are considering the creation of a small orchard with local varieties of apple trees, changing our mowing schedule to allow the grass to grow long in areas and setting up wild areas.

"The parish council is developing a new enlarged children’s play area in the park.

"The parish council is engaged in ensuring the community enjoys this wonderful green space in the heart of our village."