ROUTINE work to remove trees thought to be dangerous from the riverside at Bewdley has been slammed as "a blatant act of vandalism".

Stephen Clee, who represents the town on Wyre Forest District Council, condemned the Environment Agency for having "the audacity to remove some beautiful specimens in this brutal way" after trees were felled on the east side of the river on Sunday morning.

But agency spokesman Oliver Blackburn said workers had removed the "absolute minimum" of trees which he said were in a dangerous condition.

Three trees had recently fallen down and some of the others were in danger of falling into the river where they would form "a natural barrier" to the arches of the bridge, Mr Blackburn said.

Mr Clee said he had received "several distressing calls" from residents on Sunday morning as "the chainsaw brigade" moved in.

"There has been no consultation with me over this decision.

"The trees that have been removed have been growing on the eastern side of the river for many years - why should one individual now decide that they should be felled?" he added.

However, Mr Blackburn said it was routine work which had been carried out following consultation with Bewdley Town Council, and the trees had been felled on a Sunday to minimise disruption.