THE FELLING of three trees in Petersfield Square has angered town organisations and environmentalists.

The maples are due to be cut down on Monday because of a decision by a senior officer jointly employed by Havant Borough Council and East Hampshire District Council.The decision to fell the trees was made after complaints their roots had lifted cobbles, causing a trip hazard.

Petersfield Society chairman Graham Brown said: “We are very much opposed to something that affects the heart of Petersfield going ahead without consultation.

“We have seen no evidence alternative solutions have been looked at.”

Robin Hart, of Petersfield, a tree warden with the Tree Council and co-author of the Petersfield bio diversity action plan, said: “It’s scandalous to remove them.”

Petersfield town councillors are also angry about the felling decision, made on behalf of East Hampshire District Council (EHDC), the owners of The Square.

Cllr James Deane said: “We have bought new Christmas lights, some would have gone in the trees. I am very disappointed with the lack of communication.”

EHDC stresses however the trees are being felled for safety reasons, and will be replaced by new trees of a similar variety.They will be planted in specially dug root pits, which force the tree roots to grow downwards rather than sideways.An EHDC spokesman said: “The trees were inspected by an arborist and the advice was to fell them.

“We did look into other options but root pruning or raised beds would not work long term.

“The welfare of pedestrians, particularly over this Christmas period is our primary concern. So it is important to get the issue fixed as soon as possible.

“This is the best time to plant trees and offers our new trees the best possible chance to become established.”