Angry residents have descended on a greenspace in Stoke-on-Trent to try and prevent a number of trees being felled.

The greenspace on Canberra Crescent in Meir has been home to oak, willow and ash trees since the estate was constructed over 40 years ago.

Residents of the Meir Park Estate woke up on Friday to the sound of chainsaws and by the end of the day four trees had been felled. Residents were told by the workers that they would all be gone by Monday. 

The greenspace is a popular spot for dog walkers, children and residents alike who value the well established trees and the tranquillity they provide. It is understood that the trees weren't covered by any legal protection.

Nearby resident Jon Evanson said: "I walk my dogs here all the time, it is an absolute shame to see the trees cut down. I know many children from nearby come and play on it and countless others."

Three police cars and several officers were also present with residents told to move away from the land. Residents say the police had been there most of the day while the felling took place and were warned of 'aggravated trespass'. 

Angry residents descended on the greenspace to try and prevent the trees being felled (LDRS).

Longtime resident, Andy Jones who has lived on the estate since 1983 expressed his frustration: "It's plots of land like this on Meir Park which make it so appealing to people. It's not just a built up housing estate. It's got greenspaces, it's got trees, well established trees."

A number of residents who gathered in protest against the felling say they expect that the land is being prepared to build houses. A number also expressed concerns that other areas of greenspace around Meir Park will succumb to the same fate.

Resident Alison Dhatt said: "The land was sold; nobody knew it was up for sale; there was no notice put up. As residents we would have come together and bought the land to stop it being built on. 

"Never ever thought that the land would be built on. So we saw a surveyor here last week, he would tell us what he was doing, then this morning, we had no notice and the crew just showed up."

The LDRS attempted to make contact with the land owner, however was unsuccessful. This means that future plans for the site are still unknown.

In a Facebook post, ward councillor Abi Brown said that normally open space is usually transferred to the council. However in the case of Canberra Crescent and other areas of Meir Park it did not happen and subsequently some of these areas have been sold.

The post read: "The trees weren't covered by a Tree Preservation Order, and therefore the landowner did not need any permission to remove them. The only consideration would be avoiding nesting session, which is between February and August.

"Until a planning application is submitted, it is hard to comment further. I have spoken to the Residents Association this afternoon, and we will work together to support residents as best as we can, however at this time until an application is received, there are limited actions that can be taken, however I will continue to update residents as best as I can."

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READ MORE: Various 'safeguarding works' planned for Grade II-listed market in Stoke-on-Trent

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