VILLAGERS were shocked after a former beauty spot was destroyed.
Trees, that had stood for about 50 years in a woodland in Cuddington, were chopped down for what is believed to be commercial reasons.
It is understood that local residents and Cuddington & Sandiway Parish Council were not informed prior to the clearing work.
The area, which was home to various wildlife, appears on an 1882 map of the village and can be seen from Norley Road which is also often used by walkers.
Cuddington and Sandiway parish councillor Stephen Chivers said: “A number of these trees have been chopped down for commercial reasons. The habitat will never be the same again.
“We could perhaps understand if they chopped down a few at a time, replacing them as they go, but they have massacred the hill.”
Cheshire West and Chester Council confirmed that the trees did not have a preservation order and that the selling licence had been previously granted by the Forestry Commission.
The Commission stated that it would be restocking the site with broadleaf trees, just weeks after it emerged that the organisation had funds available to landowners who can prove they are qualified to create woodland glades to bring back certain species of birds.
A Norley Road resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “It’s an eyesore. It’s a crying shame that anybody has the freedom to destroy an ancient woodland.
“I knew cuts were coming but this is ridiculous. I suppose we shall have to get used to it.”
