Trees felled at Burnley beauty spot

Residents living near a new leisure development in Burnley have hit out after trees were cut down.
Mrs Julieanne Marshall who is angry with Burnley Council for cutting trees down on Prairie playing fields.Mrs Julieanne Marshall who is angry with Burnley Council for cutting trees down on Prairie playing fields.
Mrs Julieanne Marshall who is angry with Burnley Council for cutting trees down on Prairie playing fields.

Work has started to fell trees near the Prairie playing fields, off Windermere Avenue, to make way for a new all-weather pitch.

But people living nearby said the area was a popular beauty spot and work had had a negative impact on the surrounding environment.

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Mrs Julieanne Marshall, who lives in Colne Road, said: “They’ve chopped around a dozen trees down so far.

“The trees are about 30 years old. Lots of people enjoy walking their dogs around here, its a real beauty spot. It’s heartbreaking to see these trees being chopped down.”

Mr Peter Gibson, of Windermere Avenue, added: “It’s awful. I don’t see the reason why they’ve had to do this.”

Mr Simon Goff, Burnley Council’s head of greenspaces and amenities, said more trees will be planted at the site: “Trees are being felled to allow the new all-weather pitch to be constructed. Work for this contract is starting on site in the next few weeks.

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“The pitch is being funded with grant from Sport England and must comply with current standards which means the area is slightly larger area than the current pitch and ground levels need to change. To accommodate these requirements it was necessary to remove the trees.

“Other trees will be removed from around the old changing pavilion and a group of young trees at the bottom of the site, which will be replaced by a new area of woodland planting.

“The redevelopment of the sports facilities at the Prairie will result in an excellent facility that will benefit residents and visitors alike.”