A Lib Dem-led council has been slammed after spending £10,000 chopping down two “important” palm trees.
Town officials claimed the 35ft-tall trees on the historic Esplanade in Weymouth, Dorset, had grown into a trip hazard due to their roots making the ground uneven.
The trees - planted in 2012 - will now reportedly be replaced with smaller “cabbage palm” trees.
However, residents are upset at the decision - claiming the removal would damage Weymouth’s reputation.
The trees- planted in 2012 - will now reportedly be replaced with smaller “cabbage palm” trees (Stock Image)
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Dennis Clark, who lives near the iconic trees, called them “really important to the town” and a “valuable feature”.
He added: “I spoke with some of my friends about the palms and I was struck by the clarity of feeling about them.
“The trees advertise and promote Weymouth and I believe they are an iconic feature of pride and quality for seaside towns.”
Other people took to social media to voice their views on the cost of the tree removal, calling it a “waste of money”.
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James Williams called the price of removal “ridiculous”, adding: “leave them be and stop dreaming up unnecessary projects”.
Christopher Bates said: “Shouldn’t council taxpayers be asked if this is an expense they want to have?”
Another added: “Del Boy would be proud to sell you a couple of trees for that sort of cash.”
A spokesman for Weymouth town council said leaving the trees as they are would just increase the risk and cost.
Residents are upset at the decision, claiming the removal would damage Weymouth’s reputation
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They said: “The trees have grown significantly since they were put in over a decade ago and are now causing structural damage to the promenade which needs to be managed now before any further repairs are needed.
“Councillors agreed they should be replaced with palms like those found further along the promenade which would still have visual impact. The stonework planters would also be repaired.
“Other palms along the seafront would be managed in the same way in future years.”