FROM a shady nook to a denuded street. That is what East Avenue, Leigh, has become according to local residents who are angry at the council who have just chopped down the last two mature trees.

And according to the residents the council have ignored a letter sent by them to complain about plans to cut down the sycamores which have been in East Avenue since at least 1914.

Angry Pat Park, 48, who was born in East Avenue like her mother before her, said: "I cannot believe the callous attitude of the council towards council residents here. We have been totally ignored. We sent a letter a few weeks ago to the council and they have not even bothered to reply.

"My mother was born in this house in 1914 and I was born here. In fact my grandson, who also lives here, is now the fifth generation of the family to live here which is unusual for a council house, and we have all seen these trees growing then one by one cut down.

"This avenue used to be like a lovely shady nook with loads of trees, but now it's just a denuded street except for those who have trees in their own gardens. I think it is disgusting that the last two trees have gone and none of us could see anything wrong with them. The attitude of the council is appalling!"

A council spokesman said: "According to our aboriculturalist the two remaining trees were in severe decline. He said there was a significant dying back of the crown of the trees and there were a number of dead branches. It was his opinion that these could have fallen at any time to the obvious danger of the public, and in fact the trees themselves could have eventually fell.

"It would not be immediately obvious to members of the public that there was anything wrong with the trees, but in cases like this we have to take the advice of a tree expert."

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