THE remains of hundreds of trees which were cut down for safety reasons have been left for months in Rossendale.

Residents living around Burnley Road East, in Water, have been waiting for United Utilities to clean up the mess after a one kilometre stretch of conifer trees were cut down because they posed a threat to passing motorists.

Piles of roots, branches and tree trunks are still blocking a popular dog-walking route three months after the trees were felled.

Ward Coun Amanda Pilling, said: “It looks horrendous from the road and it’s something I will be taking further will United Utilities.

“It was a drastic operation in the first place but you would think they could have tidied up. They have just left it.

“We need to get a date from the company to know when they will be re-planting the new trees.

“Unfortunately, I saw similar landscape in the West Lancashire Moors recently which was owned by United Utilities and the trees had been left there as well.” The conifers, some believed to be 80-years-old, were taken down in March for the safety of drivers entering and leaving Clough Bottom.

A spokesman for United Utilities said: “We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience which people are experiencing.

“When we cut the trees down in March, it was too late for us to replant because the planting season starts in November.

“We need people to bear with us and in November we will be planting thousands of wonderful native broad Leaf trees.

“The debris has been left intentionally because it’s a better habitat for the birds and also provides better water in the land.”