Residents in Weston Coyney are baffled as boulders which have been in place for at least a decade have suddenly started to be removed.

The boulders on the green area on Weston Heights estate in Weston Coyney have seen workers removing and smashing apart the boulders all week.

Residents say they have been given no notice over the removal which involves an excavator repeatedly hitting the boulders to break them apart for easy removal. It is understood that some of the larger boulders will be used on other projects across the city.

Denis Fitzgerald, a longtime resident said: "I have no idea what's going on, we haven't been made aware of anything. I quite liked them but I appreciate there's a problem with cutting the grass because they don't go anywhere near the boulders because of the damage.

"I did like them, it's a part of the furniture, part of the scenery really. I'll be sorry to see them go but it might hopefully leave a bit more room for the children to play."

Residents say they have been given no notice over the removal which involves an excavator repeatedly hitting the boulders (LDRS).

Doris Hughes, who was walking her dog added: "It's odd that they are doing it now when they've been there for at least a decade. I don't really see the harm in them, they look nice. I always thought they were there to stop cars driving on and making a mess."

The boulders were installed after the following the construction of the estate over a decade ago. Stoke-on-Trent City Council have confirmed that the removal of some of the boulders are down to a revamp of the area and were becoming a gathering point of anti-social behaviour.

Mark Bailey who has lived on the estate since it was built commented: "I just don't understand why to be quite honest. There hasn't been any notice or notification of this happening. The road surfaces are terrible, our houses here can feel that shake.

"The speed camera which is effective but again the traffic speeds up, there are kids crossing. I think there are three areas of schools that pick up kids between the hours of seven and nine to take them to their respective schools and they speed up.

"You would rather have a speed camera rather than spending three or four days moving these boulders because that's what they've done all week. There are so many other things we could be doing. Just think about how much money it costs for two excavators, tractor, I've seen a van and at least seven workers for the last four days."

A spokesperson for Stoke-on-Trent City Council advised:" Following a revamp of the area, a decision was made to remove a few of the larger stones.

"Aside from aesthetic reasons, they were also becoming a gathering point for anti-social behaviour. We want all of our parks to be a place for people to enjoy, safely."

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