A LEIGH resident has accused Wigan Council of ecological vandalism at its worst on Monday.

Now Miss Pauline Holbrook, of Briar Grove, is planning to write to Leigh MP Lawrence Cunliffe about the felling of mature poplar trees near the old rail line on Westleigh Lane.

She said: "There is a scene of devastation here. The trees are the only screen from the filthy traffic on the main road."

But a council spokesman said: "We regard this work as a major improvement. We felled two poplars which were dangerous. They split easily, and one was leaning at a 45 degree angle.

"Other work was completed two years ago, but then the stumps of trees were left in .

"The Single Regeneration Budget found £5,000 to dig out the old trees and stumps and lay new top soil and feed.

"Three flowering prunus have been planted along with 500 further shrubs and new fencing.

"We think this work will make the area a lot better."

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