TREES in front of Blackburn's town hall have been chopped down as part of a £900,000 revamp.

Seven trees - pines and mountain ash - were felled by contractors, sparking anger from traders and shoppers.

It forms part of a Blackburn with Darwen Council scheme to re-pave the area with high-quality stone, improved lighting, and seating and only two new trees, London planes, will replace the trees cut down.

The scheme will also take in Town Hall Street and the project is estimated to be complete by February.

Former regeneration chief Coun Andy Kay, who oversaw the drawing up of the scheme, said: "The big trees posed a threat to the foundations of the town hall and were not in keeping with the area.

He said two trees would be planted in the place of the seven chopped down.

"The intention was to recreate the old square. There is no doubt it will look better.

"The area was not exactly user friendly from the point of view of pedestrians."

He said the removal of a six-inch tall plinth that supported flag posts was good news for shoppers as it was a "nightmare" for the visually impaired.

Coun Colin Rigby, council leader, said: "If things are to move forward, things like this will happen I am afraid."

Lord Odin, owner of Vall Hall Jewellers which overlooks the town hall, said: "It's very strange that they chopped down mature trees and they are going to plant two new trees.

"Why is it going to take so long? I could do it myself in that time."

Shopper Vera Clemson, 76, of Lower Darwen, said: "What a shame that they have gone."

Coun Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration, said: "The trees have been removed in a bid to rationalise space and provide an openness that will allow for civic ceremonies and public events, as well as providing an appropriate setting for the Grade 2 listed town hall building.

"Two new trees are to be replanted that will frame the setting of the square and the town hall frontage, along with new furniture and improved lighting that are in keeping with a public square."