A RESIDENT has expressed his dismay at the loss of a “beautiful area of mature woodland” in Farnworth ­— likening it to the devastation caused by the bush fires in Australia.

Stuart Bostock says a number of trees in Egerton Street, close to the junction with Gower Street, have been chopped down.

He said: “This is a beautiful area of mature woodland running along Egerton Street in Farnworth.

“The trees were there on Saturday evening and Tuesday evening I saw they had been chopped down.

“I always used to think how beautiful they looked in all the seasons. We have lived in the area for 20 years and they have always been here. They were mature trees.”

Mr Bostock added: “I would think an area of about 50 to 60 m by 25 metres wide has been affected.”

The Bolton News:

The 74-year-old added: “The trees have gone leaving a totally depressing sight not dissimilar to the scenes we have seen of the devastating bush fires in Australia.

“Egerton Street is a busy main road through the town especially during the evening rush hour.

“These attractive, silent trees did their bit in helping soak up greenhouse gasses and producing life giving oxygen. I am not sure who gave permission for this small yet valuable woodland to be killed. It had better be for a mighty good reason.”

He added: “What concerns me is what message is the demise of these trees sending out to the parents and children of Farnworth? This has left me feeling puzzled and depressed about our future.”

The Bolton News:

Bolton Council confirmed that the land once public was now in private ownership.

A spokesman confirmed that there were no tree preservation orders in place.

There were 21 trees on that site when the land was in public ownership.