Residents have accused contractors of vandalism for cutting back a hedge too heavily.

The hedge borders a footpath running between the back of gardens in Tweed Crescent and King's Meadow primary school, Bicester.

But contractors for Cherwell District Council cut the hedge back severely, leaving residents with an unwelcome view of plain buildings.

One resident, Robert Wooberry, said: "We had an 18ft-high hedge that provided cover when it was in leaf, so we could not see the school so much."

A neighbour, Vera Arbery, said: "It is literally vandalism. The hedge has been absolutely ruined. There was a blackbird's nest in the hedge and that has gone and we do not hear any birds singing at all now."

Headteacher Tony Instone, said: "I did not ask for the trees and shrubs in the hedge to be cut down. Everybody appreciates greenery on the edge of their premises. But we do now get a bit more light into our classrooms."

Cherwell District Council's senior arboriculturalist officer, Steve Bishop, stopped the work when he received complaints from residents.

He said: "I am writing to the residents explaining what we are doing and why."