Tree felling 'simply unacceptable' in conservation area

The veteran fruit trees were destroyed while the grounds of a property in Elstow were undergoing improvement work.

Bedford Borough Councillor for Elstow Tim Hill said the trees have been there for about 40-to-50 years.

He said: “It is simply unacceptable in a conservation area. We are now trying to make sure similar trees are put in place.”

A Bedford Borough Council spokesman said the trees were felled in the West End area within the Elstow conservation area by a contractor working on behalf of Southill Estates as part of improvement works to a property.

He added: “Southill Estates has apologised for this error and has agreed to plant replacement trees.

“The Council has requested that this work takes place during the current planting season.”