COUNCIL chiefs have strongly defended their tree maintenance policy, after it came under fire from a green campaigner.

Dan Jerrome, of the Green Party, claims town hall plans will mean that mature trees are cut down on some of the borough's most distinctive roads.

Mr Jerrome says that the council’s borough-wide plans for tree removal and replacement is already in place.

One of the roads affected is St Mark’s Avenue, Oldfield Brow, where Mr Jerrome says every single tree is a target.

Town hall bosses, though, say that trees will not be cut down under its tree removal and replacement scheme in St Mark's Avenue, if the majority of residents oppose the plan.

It insists that mature trees are only cut down when there are 'extremely good reasons' to do so.

But campaigner Mr Jerrome said: "This picturesque road is loved by residents, and the council’s plans to replace trees with dwarf and miniature varieties would mean a permanent change for the area."

“The council say they’ll conduct a consultation, but the tree removal plan has already been written, and local people anticipate being fobbed off with a box-ticking exercise."

Helen Haslam, of St Mark’s Avenue, said: “Appalled doesn't begin to express the depth of my distress at the thought that they may be cut down.

"The trees in the local area were one of my key reasons for moving here.

"The thought that a gang wielding chainsaws could arrive one morning and just remove these wonderful living things is heart-breaking.”

Mr Jerrome continued: “The council appears to be doing this to avoid spending money on proper maintenance of mature trees.

"They’ve failed to prune trees to suitable sizes and to plan maintenance of roads and pavements to accommodate tree growth.

"They’re now using the damage caused by roots as an excuse.

“The trees on Oldfield Brow are part of the original design for the estate. Cutting them down for short-term money-saving will leave a permanent scar on the area. They’re also vital for wildlife.

"Residents have told me of the many birds and bats they see in the area. I’m calling on the council to think again, to invest in long-term care for our trees.”

A council spokesman said: "Our tree experts believe St Mark's Avenue would benefit from a tree removal and replacement scheme.

"Currently, 12 mature forest type trees are being considered for removal in three phases, with four trees being removed every three to four years, which will allow the replacement saplings to establish before any mature trees are removed.

“Residents will be fully consulted on the council's plans. If the majority of residents do not support the scheme, then no trees will be removed.

"If the work is given the go-ahead, trees would be removed and replaced over a 10-year period, with the project starting in winter 2018. A consultation will take place next year.

"While it is necessary for us to remove some mature trees, this is carried out only when there are extremely good reasons to do this, such as they are in a dangerous condition, are a safety risk to road users, or have outgrown their current location.

"This is why there are only around 50 problematic trees removed from the highway each year. And, whenever a tree is removed, the council makes sure it is replaced by two new native saplings. Residents are always consulted and we only start work if the majority agree.

"Anyone wanting to find out more about how Trafford’s tree management and maintenance work can go to http://www.trafford.gov.uk/residents/leisure-and-lifestyle/parks-and-open-spaces/tree-management.aspx

"Trafford is known for its attractive open and green spaces. Trees are an important part of the very fabric of our local communities and we are committed to ensuring these remain so.”