RESIDENTS of Compton have raised concerns after a large number of trees on Hurdle Way were felled.

The felling began two weeks ago and has been carried out by subcontractors GroundLord working for Hampshire County Council.

Residents were told it was being undertaken to stop the spread of ash dieback which had been detected in the area. However, some were worried that the trees were being removed as a prelude to new development.

Una Stevens, of Cliff Way, is one such resident.

Hampshire Chronicle: One of the felled treesOne of the felled trees (Image: Una Stevens)READ MORE: 'Dominating' oak tree refused permission to be felled, despite owner's safety fears

She told the Chronicle: “There’s been a hell of a lot of felling.

“Looking at the huge pile of trunks which were piled up, they don’t look like diseased trees to me, and I am a seasoned gardener. I spoke to a few neighbours and they agreed with me, the trees looked perfectly sound.

“We’re very concerned at the scale of what has been taken down. I’m not very convinced, and nor are others, that they are all ash trees and what is worrying us is that there is so much clearance taking place that it could be the next site of development in Compton.”

Mrs Stevens said that residents had not received prior notification that the trees were to be felled and that several hedgerows had also been damaged during the felling.

A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said: “Around 50 to 60 trees on Hurdle Way in Compton were recently removed for safety reasons as the trees were at an advanced stage of ash dieback. Once ash dieback has infected an ash tree, it can be at considerable risk of structural failure, leading to falling branches and limbs, or the whole tree may collapse.

“A number of public footpaths pass through this area and are used by local people, so the decision was taken to remove the infected trees to remove these risks.

Hampshire Chronicle: Approximately 60 trees have been felled over two weeksApproximately 60 trees have been felled over two weeks (Image: Una Stevens)SEE ALSO: Work underway to restore historic wall which collapsed two years ago

“The area, which is on County Council-owned farmland, will be replanted with replacement trees in the coming months whilst verges will be restored, and other damaged ground will be reinstated.

“The removal work is now complete however, there are other ash trees in the area, which will continue to be monitored. Felling of this scale is always a last resort and would normally be notified to local residents in advance.

“We are sorry that on this occasion this communication did not take place.”