PEOPLE are being urged to be more aware of the trees around them and take steps to have them protected before it is too late.

Michael McGonigle, of Carlton Road, Erith, was shocked when he discovered a number of mature oak trees in a neighbour's garden were being chopped down.

But his shock turned to dismay when he discovered only a couple of the trees were protected with tree preservation orders (TPOs).

Now Mr McGonigle is urging people to identify the trees they value and talk to Bexley Council about the possibility of getting them protected.

He said: "I am angry with myself I did not do anything before."

Bexley Council says concerned residents can contact the council's development control team to nominate trees considered worth official protection.

A spokesman added: "However, we generally target trees which are under specific threat."

He said unless a tree was in a conservation area, has a TPO or was subject to a planning condition, the council has no power to prevent a tree from being felled.