VILLAGERS say they have been kept in the shade over plans to axe roadside trees.

Last week a county council highways team began removing trees and scrub from verges on Bisley Road between Stroud and Lypiatt.

The action is part of a countywide maintenance programme to improve visibility, open up scenic views and conserve grassland by ridding roadsides of scrub and self-seeded trees.

Parish leaders in Bisley and Lypiatt are angry because they were not informed of the plans.

"We only found out when someone from the village noticed the trees coming down on Friday," said Bisley parish councillor Lesley Greene.

"They have taken out some quite substantial trees and we haven't seen any plans which is infuriating.

"What is the point of having a parish council if we are not consulted?

"I have noticed some of the larger trees have been cut down and I want to know why and what they are going to do to replace them."

Some of the felled trees were in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which has angered 21-year-old Bisley resident Roland Earl.

"I have always liked this area and feel the trees should be preserved," said Roland, who is studying bricklaying at Stroud College.

"Surely cutting the trees down also affects the carbon balance."

Stroud Green Party is also concerned.

A spokesman for Gloucestershire County Council said consultation letters were sent to all parish councils in the area.

But for some unknown reason one was not received by Bisley.

"As soon as we realised, the letter was sent out immediately and we would like to apologise for any concern this caused," he said.

"The county council knows that trees are a beautiful and important part of our landscape but we have to balance this with the knowledge that they can make our roads more dangerous.

"We believe this maintenance work will keep the county's roads safe and pleasant for the public."