RESIDENTS appalled at the felling of trees at Sea View viewpoint in Poole have accused the council of devastating the habitat and turning woodland into scrub.

Tracy Pallatt, chair of Viewpoint Residents' Association, told the Echo she has been in touch with dozens of people who are fuming at the tree work undertaken by the council earlier this month.

Large mature trees were among those felled during the clearing at the site flanked by Constitution Hill Road and North Road.

Tracy described it as the "whole-scale destruction of the Viewpoint’s trees," adding: "we are outraged."

The works were undertaken after the council came under fire last year when residents complained the trees were obliterating the view, with some branding the beauty spot "Can't see view".

Tracy added while they "all appreciate that" there "should have been some appropriate middle ground."

"Complete destruction of clearly very old trees was inappropriate just to maintain a view for people who stop there to drink coffee," she added.

"Those living adjacent to it or having an interest in our flora and fauna have not been considered at all.

"Residents were not consulted and are now most concerned about the impact upon wildlife, ground stability and aesthetics."

She added: "They have done it now and they can't undo it - but they can get some mature trees put back in there."

The council notice ahead of the works said that entire trees would be removed "in order to minimise the need for more frequent expensive maintenance to retain the view in the future."

Cllr John Rampton, cabinet portfolio holder for environment and consumer protection services, Borough of Poole, said: “Following a great many comments and requests from residents and visitors to Poole, we carried out works at Sea View viewpoint to restore the panoramic view.

"Since completing this work we have received a number of positive comments from local people saying how pleased they are to see this view restored.

"While some residents may feel that the work was extensive, the majority of felled trees were deciduous so they will regrow from the stumps, benefitting wildlife as this will provide areas for bird nesting and generally creating a more diverse area. We will also be carrying out some replanting work in the area over the coming weeks.”