A housing provider has apologised after cutting down more trees than was originally planned.

The trees in question were near a new homes site in Drimpton.

Housing firm Abri said the trees were affected by ash dieback disease and had to be felled.

However there was confusion amongst locals as it was only planned to cut down two - in the end seven or eight came down, causing shock and sadness.

A local newsletter for residents of Drimpton in December said that, following a survey carried out on behalf of Abri, ash dieback disease was found in two trees on the bank that faces Netherhay Lane in Drimpton.

The site is close to new homes site by Abri which, after following advice from their arboriculturalist, took the decision to fell affected trees.

Ann Harris, a retired 73-year-old resident, has lived in the village for 23 years and is saddened by the decision.

She claimed Abri was just looking to get rid of the trees down the lane to make the homes look more attractive.

She said: “It’s made me sad because I understood they were healthy trees. I can understand those affected by ash dieback, but to take down more trees when they assured us really grates us.

“I’ve been here for 23 years and those trees have been there long before those houses.

“Taking down these trees is a crime to the landscape and it just seems like vandalism."

Mrs Harris called on the company to plant new saplings in the area.

“I’d do it myself if I was allowed,” she said.

Soon after the trees were felled, Abri issued an apology for the 'confusion around the number of trees' cut down. 

A spokesperson said: "We believed it would be two, but on further investigation all trees needed removing because of the disease."

Ash dieback is a disease caused by a fungus called Hymenoscyphus fraxineus and is a serious threat to ash trees in the UK.

Graham Reynolds, Grounds and Estates Senior Operations Manager at Abri, said: “The safety of our customers and the local community is our priority.

“The location of the trees near to homes and next to the road means we have a duty to mitigate any danger.

“Following an inspection by our qualified tree officer, the trees were shown to be infected with ash dieback disease and cut back to reduce the risk of branches falling or the trees collapsing.

"The infected trees were cut to ground level to allow existing hazel trees to rejuvenate and form an ecologically friendly boundary hedge to the new homes."