Anger after Asda-owned trees felled in town centre

Trees that were felled in Darlaston town centre have sparked anger from the local community, concerned about the loss of wildlife and bird habitats.

Nine tree stumps remain on King Street, on land owned by Asda, just a few metres outside of Darlaston's conservation area.

Residents said the tree trunks looked like "tombstones" in the heart of the town.

A spokesperson for the supermarket chain said the trees were felled for health and safety reasons, and it contacted Walsall Council prior to the work being carried out.

Asda said the trees were "overgrown" and were "lifting the pavement", adding that all roots and stumps will eventually be removed and the pavement relaid.

The loss of greenery comes not long after Darlaston's centre was identified as "struggling the most, by far", compared to others in Walsall. The statement was made as part of a review looking at district centres across the borough to identify areas of improvement.

A spokesperson for Asda said: "We recently had to carry out some essential maintenance at our Darlaston store for health and safety reasons.

"Relevant guidelines were closely followed, as is always the case when we carry out landscaping work at any of our stores."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

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