RESIDENTS living in a once green and ‘tranquil’ area of Clevedon have expressed their dismay after work to fell numerous trees began at the site of a former care home.

For the past week, workmen have been on land surrounding Cherry Orchard Residential Home, which was closed in November, cutting down a number of mature ash, maple and poplar.

In October, the Times reported how 25 large trees on the land were ring-barked, a treatment which will eventually cause a tree to die, after Shaw Healthcare announced it would close the home and sell off the Cherry Avenue site.

This caused outrage among nearby residents after it was revealed North Somerset Council had been in the process of preparing a tree preservation order for the site when the trees had rings of bark cut from them.

In December, the land was sold by Shaw Healthcare to the owner of Clevedon Hall, Peter McCarthy.

Valerie Wright, whose property neighbours the land, said: “The trees being cut down means the total outlook of the area has changed.

“They are large trees and must’ve been there for a long time.”

As well as the tree felling, nearby residents remain concerned about the future of the site.

John Francis, of Ilex Avenue, said: “My worry is the unknown quantity, whether they are going to ram loads of houses on the site.

“It doesn’t look good now they have butchered the trees.

“It was quite a tranquil and peaceful area before the work.

“With all the trees being cut down it will just look like one big open space – a huge potential building plot.”

Mr McCarthy was contacted by the Times regarding his plans for the site but a comment had not been received as the paper went to press yesterday (Tues).