A LANDOWNER has been accused of environmental vandalism after a much-loved woodland was axed.

Residents in Renfrew were shocked when bulldozers and workers with chainsaws arrived at the site in Kings Inch Road.

They say the stretch of woodland was home to a diverse population of wildlife, including deer, bats, foxes, woodpeckers and other birds.

Primary school teacher Kenny Falconer, whose home overlooks the site, told The Gazette: “There was no consultation with the local community. We had no idea something like this was about to happen.

“The whole woodland has been destroyed and the damage is absolutely devastating to the local wildlife.”

The land stretches for around 150 yards along Kings Inch Road, near Braehead Shopping Centre.

Mr Falconer, 42, added: “We regularly had deer passing through the wood and local residents installed bird feeders because of the varied birdlife it attracts.

“This wood allowed local wildlife to co-exist in what is a very built-up residential and commercial area. Razing it to the ground feels like a huge step backwards.

“You can’t replace the ecosystem that has been destroyed. It’s a form of environmental vandalism.

“The wood was a haven for wildlife and a place where birds could nest. Now that’s all gone.”

It is understood the site has a new landowner who has development plans in the pipeline.

Councillor John Shaw, who represents Renfrew, said: “I share the anger and frustration felt at the lack of communication or consultation on the loss of the woodland and the effect on local wildlife.

“I have also asked council officers to look at the possibility of having preservation orders placed on any remaining trees.

“Unfortunately, and disappointingly for me, there is little else that can be done at the present time until a planning application is actually made.”