A SCHEME to cut down trees in two areas of Newton Aycliffe has been defended after residents expressed concern yesterday.

George and Mima White were distressed to see workers chopping down the trees near their homes.

The sheltered accommodation at Bluebell Close, where they live, is close to Cobbler's Hall, one of the two sites affected.

They and other pensioners enjoy watching birds nesting in the trees and feed them regularly.

Mr White, 80, who served as a councillor on the former urban district council, said: "We have fed the birds for years and here they are slamming them down.

"The trees give us pleasure, looking out of the window. You look out and you see the birds."

But a Darlington Borough Council spokesman said the work was taking place in Cobbler's Hall and South Agnew as part of a programme of maintenance that would eventually enhance the two areas of trees.

"The work has been carried out with a grant from the Forestry Commission who are lending their support and guidance," he said.

"Basically, it is good management for the future and the thinning of some trees that had reached maturity and needed replacing with new trees."

The trees are poplars, which become less stable as they get older.

Local councillor Tony Moore, who represents Newton Aycliffe, said it was good that residents took a keen interest in the habitat, but added there was a need for such work and the council was acting in the best interests of safety