Bexley residents have compared the council removing a swathe of trees to fires tearing through the Amazon rainforest.

Lorraine Sheen, who has lived adjacent to the River Shuttle in Sidcup since 1964, said she was “devastated” to see Bexley council undertaking tree clearing work near her home this week.

“They’ve completely cut them down to the ground,” she said of the trees which had lined the River Shuttle along her street.

She added the vegetation acted as important cover for local wildlife such as  kingfishers and hedgehogs, as well as adding much-valued privacy for residents along the road.

“I moved here in 1964 – they were what sold me the house,” she said of the formerly leafy surrounds.

“The houses here are sold as soon as they come on to market. Those trees were a major part of that.”

A spokesperson for the council said the tree clearing work on Berwick Crescent, Sidcup, was “essential and proactive work being carried out…to remove and prune trees that are potentially dangerous or are growing in unsuitable locations.

“Some of these trees require regular pruning (coppicing) to ensure they remain healthy and safe for many to years to come.

“A small number of residents have expressed concern and we are always happy to discuss and explain why such works are both necessary and so important.”

The council added that, following discussions with residents, additional trees would be planted at the site next year.

“On 19 November arboricultural officers met on-site with residents and adjusted the programme to soften the visual impact of the remaining works.  In addition a commitment was given to plant several new trees in suitable locations in this area early next year.”

However, Mrs Sheen claimed the change in plans was due to the council “realising they’ve made a mistake”.

“It is like the fires in the Amazon,” she said.

“It’s vandalism…the wildlife that is now gone, the trees that are never going to recover…the trunks that are a metre around, they won’t grow back in my lifetime.”