COUNCILLORS in the Wear Valley have acknowledged that they have made it too easy for healthy trees to be felled in the past.

But they vowed to tighten up in the future after reluctantly granting permission for two mature ash trees to be pulled down before they become dangerous.

After a site visit to a bungalow in Fielding Court, High Farm, members of Wear Valley District Council's development control committee agreed the trees should be removed.

Councillor Olive Brown, council leader and representative for Crook South, said: "I don't like to see trees felled, but I have never seen large trees so close to a house before, so must reluctantly approve the felling."

Fellow ward councillor Eddie Tomlinson said: "The two trees could be a danger to neighbouring properties. I for one don't want the damage they could cause to homes or, heaven forbid, people, on my conscience."

Committee chairwoman Councillor Barbara Laurie said: "I don't agree with two perfectly healthy trees being destroyed, but accept the committee's decision.

"It happens all too often. Developers buy land for building or people buy a house with a nice planted garden then later realise they have trees in their way.

"We should be harder so that they realise it was their choice to buy land with beautiful trees and we aren't happy about them being cut down.