Campaigners opposed to the felling of trees in front of Astley Hall as part of a £1.8m park restoration project have accused Chorley council of a lack of consultation.

It comes as the first tree, a 300-year-old yew, was felled this week. More than 50 more trees close to the hall will also be felled.

Cliff Jones, chairman of the Astley Hall Coalition, said: "The council's persistent refusal to divulge essential information about their plans makes a complete nonsense of so-called transparent government.

"We have tried to prevent this wanton vandalism but failed.

"I will campaign for a full and open scrutiny into the council's failure to deal with our concerns and to explain their intentions.

"I am particularly concerned about their failure to divulge details of any bat surveys and their reluctance to consult with organisations such as the Natural History Society about the detrimental affects the draining of the lake."

The accusations were denied by Chorley Borough Council. A spokesperson said: "We have carried out comprehensive consultation throughout this project.

"We have not concealed any information or the results of any surveys. In fact we have actively encouraged people to find out more. We are still happy to do that."

The tree felling is part of the first phase of the Heritage Lottery funded project. It will see a new cafe and shop, a new pets corner and play area and a restored walled garden.

o Meanwhile, a woman who feared a tree planted in memory of her father would be felled, has been assured it will not be axed.

The pine tree planted 25 years ago by Lesley Holt, 45, of Sutton Lane, Adlington, in memory of her father Leonard, was originally earmarked for felling. But the council has agreed that no trees would be removed if they had been planted in memory of a relative.

Mrs Holt said: "It would have been extremely distressing to see the tree removed. It's a beautiful tree which I visit often and there is nothing at all wrong with it."