Council officials have been accused of "butchering" more than 20 trees that line a historic market town in a bid to save money . Lime trees growing either side of High Street in Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire, had their tops hacked off without notice leaving locals "devastated". A small team of arboriculturalists in harnesses spent several days sawing off the tops of the 50ft tall trees.
Warwickshire Council Council say the pollarding work was carried out to save money due to their "very limited budget". Local residents have accused the council of "ruining" the appearance of the historic market town with the extreme pruning. Alan Parker, 50, who has lived along the road for five years, said it the first time he has seen them cut back to this extent.
He said: "They've butchered the trees beyond all recognition. "I just can't understand how they get away with it and just at a time when wildlife and birds are thriving. The trees are home to squirrels birds and beautiful butterflies because of all the vegetation.
The environmental impact is terrible and God knows what visitors think when they see the state of them." The trees have lined the High Street for over a century and are a focal point for both locals and tourists. Business owner Amy Graham, 45, who runs a florist in the town, said: "Everyone was gutted when they saw the trees had been hacked down to their stumps.
We all understand the need for pruning but this was extreme and done, supposedly, to save a few quid because th.