RESIDENTS have been left furious after a group of trees being roosted in by thousands of starlings were chopped down.

The trees, at Winchester Fire Station in Easton Lane, Winnall, are home to the birds which are known to form one of the largest murmurations in Europe.

People often travel miles to see the beautiful displays the birds in flight.

The trees were cut down by arboriculturalists from Arborcare UK Ltd on behalf of Hampshire County Council at short notice on Tuesday morning.

It is believed that the trees were cut down following complaints of the birds defecating on vehicles in nearby car parks.

Esme Holding, a resident from Carmen’s Lane, Compton, called the felling of the trees “underhand and wrong”.

“We have one of the greatest natural phenomenon in Europe on our doorstep and we just get rid of it.

“There was no consultation, they just turned up with the van and started cutting them down.”

An RSPB spokeswoman added: “Instead of looking at ways we can force nature into an ever smaller space, we should look at how we can live alongside wildlife and help give it a home.”

Defending the decision, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service’s facilities manager Matt Robertson said: “The trees to the rear of Winchester Fire Station have been removed due to the impact they were having on operational vehicles and the health and safety of staff.”

Hampshire County Council was approached for comment but had not replied at time of going press.