RIXTON residents have expressed concerns that trees are being needlessly trashed in their village.

As reported in the Guardian, gas giant Transco is running a pipeline through the area as part of a £2 million programme of work.

The 40 kilometres of new pipe runs from Mawdesley in Lancashire to Warrington.

The work has now reached the area around Moss Side Lane and Moat Lane and those living in the area say this is where problems have arisen.

Resident Neil Trownson said: "We were told there would be disruption as lopping trees was part of the deal so the branches didn't affect machinery.

"But they are cutting down 80year oak trees. They were beautiful last year, almost making a complete arch."

However Transco say they have not done anything wrong.

A spokesman said: "We have employed a tree specialist and we are taking branches off on his advice.

"We are cutting branches back on the healthy trees, but the trees we cut down are dead.

"We are working with Warrington Borough Council so they are aware."

A spokesman for the borough council said: "We have monitored the pipeline's route and worked with Transco to effect the least possible damage.

"Unfortunately these trees were in the line of the pipe's channel and the safe working area.''