CONCERNS have been raised over the removal and lopping of trees at a site in Houston protected by a preservation order.

A number of trees in the wooded area near Ardgryffe Crescent and Cunningham Gardens have been felled, with several others cut back.

There are now fears the work will lead to a loss of wildlife if it continues.

Local resident Alexis Ward, who enjoys taking walks through the wooded area, said the removal of the trees started last spring.

She told The Gazette: “These trees, which are hundreds of years old, keep getting taken down and they’re not even being replaced, which I think is an absolute disgrace.

“I know of at least 12 trees that have been affected. Around seven have been completely removed and five have been lopped, with all their branches taken away.

“I’m concerned the woods are going to disappear. The wildlife has been here long enough and we need to start protecting them.

“We have woodpeckers and other birds we really want to keep. I think it’s terrible that they could be gone soon because we are removing the trees.”

Renfrewshire Council has confirmed it is investigating the work taking place in the wooded area, which is on private land.

Councillor Scott Kerr said he shared residents’ concerns over the removal of the trees.

He added: “We have a proud heritage of wildlife in this area and we must see council officials working closely with the landowners in order to address their serious concerns.

“The removal of these trees appears to have been done without residents knowing it was about to happen, which is simply not good enough.

“The landowner will hopefully respond to the council as a matter of urgency to give a guarantee that all due processes have been followed.

“I hope they will also outline if there are any plans, working with the council, to plant further trees to compensate for these losses.”

A spokesperson for Renfrewshire Council said: “The land referred to is private land. A tree preservation order is in place for this site. However, some applications for individual tree works have been approved.

“We will investigate this issue further to establish whether the order has been breached or not.”