Stoneyford residents dismayed by tree felling

Last weekend local people were alarmed when they saw the trees being felled in land owned by NI Water.

Residents say they are confused as they understood the land in question is still in the process of being sold by NI Water and the sale has not completed.

One concerned resident said: "We are disappointed as this has changed the look of the village. The trees were beautiful. I just don't understand why this has happened before the land was actually sold. Has planning permission been granted for development?"

He continued: "During the summer the grass in that land isn't even cut because of protected butterflies in the area. It's all very disappointing."

Councillor James Tinsley said that he was "disturbed" by the loss of the trees.

He said he had spoken to a lot of residents who felt badly let down.

"The land in question still belongs to Northern Ireland Water, they have told me they did not order anybody to cut down the trees, which took decades to grow and only a few minutes to chop down. The trees were an asset to the gateway of the village and now they have been removed.

"The land in question is outside the development zone of the village and questions need to be asked what benefit it was in cutting them down."

Alderman Cecil Calvert has also been speaking with concerned residents. He said: "The residents are up in arms. These trees added to the beauty of the village and now the entrance to the site is bare."

A spokesperson for NI Water confirmed it is currently in the process of selling a plot of land at Stoneyford Road, close to the Reservoir. They said: "NI Water is liaising with the purchaser of this land to ensure all correct procedures are followed in advance of completion of the sale.

"NI Water can confirm there were no Tree Protection Orders on the trees felled at the site."

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