HUNDREDS of trees have been hacked down by the council because of a lack of cash, leaving residents fuming about their disappearing foliage.

Redbridge Council has identified 600 trees for the chop, some of which have already been felled, saying their tree budget being cut by a third has prevented them maintaining or replacing them.

Scott Whitehead complained to the council about a crab apple tree being removed near his home in Dangan Road, Wanstead on November 18.

He said: “I realise that the borough has to consider health and safety issues. But to say they are not going to replace them is outrageous. Surely some money can be found somewhere for a job lot of flowering cherries?

“We are seeing far too many trees disappear from our roads. The resulting bare pavements looks awful, not to mention issues with ground water problems that cause damp cellars because the trees are no longer there to 'hoover up' the water.”

The council said the mature tree was causing damage to the footpath and the kerb, and a decrease in their budget meant there was no money left in the coffers to ensure the trees were safely managed, nor was cash available to replace them. Redbridge Council says it currently maintains around 21,000 trees across the borough.

Geoff Stimpson of the Woodford Green Amenity Group, said: “I think it's ridiculous to be quite honest. I mean how much do trees cost to maintain, providing that the local youths don't snap the branches off?”

Redbridge Council's aboricultural officer Peter Marshall said: “Due to budget cuts this financial year, within Highway and Engineering Services, we will not be planting street trees to replace approximately 600 trees that have been or will be removed this year.

“We also dislike losing trees and not planting replacements. We are keeping a record of the absent tree positions and once the budget is restored we should be able to replace every tree that has been lost.”