CAMPAIGNERS battling to save a historic landmark avenue of lime trees have called on councillors to think again after they approved plans allowing them to be felled and pruned.

They say it’s an act of vandalism and flies in the face of recommendations by experts and Hambleton District Council’s own planning officers.

Members of the planning committee approved plans by Snape Parish Council, to fell and prune the trees which are protected by a tree preservation order.

Officers had recommended councillors refuse the application. Snape council is concerned that the trees could be a danger and threaten new young trees, after a report from one company that many needed felling or severe pruning.

But another arborist company brought in by villagers said no felling was needed and only restricted pruning, this was supported by North Yorkshire County Council’s tree officer and Hambleton District Council's conservation officer.

Committee chairman David Webster, the ward member, said the parish council did not need to have sought permission to cut down the trees as they had been deemed dangerous. He said over time a secondary row of trees planted 25 years ago would replace the existing avenue. Other councillors were concerned that the trees could be a risk to members of the public.

Cllr John Noone said:”The view of the avenue is among the prettiest in the area and pulling up trees would be an act of vandalism.”

After the meeting campaigner Dr David Kirkby said:”We are absolutely appalled, for councillors to go against their own officers recommendation and the opinions of two experts just doesn’t make sense.

“We are asking the council to put a stop on anything being done and to reconsider this, it goes against the advice of so many people.

“This avenue of trees is a precious historic landmark, the other younger trees which were planted are further back , it will be years before they are mature, and they will never replace the glorious avenue as it is. This will be such a huge loss not just for the village but for the area as a whole, it really is vandalism on a big scale.”

Campaigners say they are now considering taking the issue to the local government ombudsman with a complaint of maladministration.