A SUPERMARKET has sparked outrage among residents by cutting down 75 mature trees.

The trees in the grounds of Tesco in Warndon Villages, Worcester, were felled at the weekend.

Planning officers from Worcester City Council have now stepped in to stop the remaining 45 trees being destroyed.

Legally there is nothing to stop Tesco from cutting down the maple and lime trees, but officers have pursuaded the company to stop the work until an investigation can be carried out.

Dan Robb, a volunteer tree warden appointed by the city council and allocated to Warndon Villages, said: “It is really sad because they were 17-year-old trees in their prime. What about the people who live around there and the noise?”

The work at the Mill Wood Drive store has sparked outrage among local people who fear Tesco is clearing the land for a massive expansion of its shop and car park.

Speaking at a meeting of Warndon Parish Council this week, Ted Holloway said: “Tesco have said they have no intention of planting any more trees.”

Andy Roberts, Conservative councillor for Warndon Parish South, said: “Morally if you have all these trees which have been put there for a good reason, to cut them down without a word to anyone is unneighbourly at its absolute worst.”

City planning officers were only made aware of the destruction after calls from concerned residents.

They are now discussing a re-planting programme with the supermarket giant - which could cost thousands of pounds.

Paul O’Connor, planning manager at the council, said: “We have not authorised or condone the felling of about 70 mature trees.

“However Tesco have not committed any offence as the trees are not protected.

“I am sure that Tesco will seek to ensure that the activities at its Warndon store are in accordance with their corporate objectives on climate change, carbon footprint and Greener Living.”

Despite numerous calls to Tesco, no one was available to comment on the felling of the trees by the time your Worcester News went to print.

In 2006 Tesco withdrew an application to significantly expand its Warndon Villages store and build a multi-storey car park in the grounds after strong opposition from local people.

Earlier this year the company was granted permission to carry out some expansion work to the store, but this was not expected to involve the felling of any trees.

It’s not the first time the trees have caused controversy with Mr Robb.

In May 2006 he took pictures of all the trees, but the pictures were confiscated by Tesco staff when he submitted them to be processed who claimed they included pictures of staff cars.