Protest falls on deaf ears

FURIOUS families have been left hacked off after a row of trees were chopped down yards from their homes despite their strong protests. The families from Berbice Lane in Dunmow had returned from work last Tuesday to find JCBs had begun cutting down the P

FURIOUS families have been left hacked off after a row of trees were chopped down yards from their homes despite their strong protests.

The families from Berbice Lane in Dunmow had returned from work last Tuesday to find JCBs had begun cutting down the Poplar trees.

Karen O'Brien, 45, said: "We were so distressed to come back to the sight of this. We were attracted to this area because of those beautiful trees and scenery, and for the council to have approved for the whole row to be knocked down and not inform any of us was atrocious."

Wickford Development Co Ltd who won the contract to knock down the trees lining the field adjoining The Poplars continued to carry out the work despite a 20-strong protest.

Cllr John Murphy and residents at the scene also called for them to postpone work until they could speak to Uttlesford District Council (UDC) who had approved the plans but their requests fell on deaf ears.

The heated issue was then discussed at last Tuesday's East Area council meeting held at Foakes Hall, where a three-page petition was presented to councillors by the children of Berbice Lane, who told the Broadcast: "We are upset to be losing our dens that we had in the trees."

Cllr Murphy said: "The issue here is not just the trees. The residents should have been informed, they should have known what was happening and been warned of the plans. A lot of upset could have been saved here today if only residents were kept fully informed of all decisions and future plans."

An emergency meeting was called last Thursday at Dunmow District Council Offices for UDC investigate the matter and fully inform residents of their plans.

A UDC spokesman was unavailable for comment at the time of going to print.