SEVEN trees described as "part of the Aldeburgh landscape" are facing the chop today – after the government overturned a council ruling to save them.The sycamore and scots pine trees in Victoria Road, Aldeburgh, first came under threat in September 2001.

SEVEN trees described as "part of the Aldeburgh landscape" are facing the chop today – after the government overturned a council ruling to save them.

The sycamore and scots pine trees in Victoria Road, Aldeburgh, first came under threat in September 2001. It was claimed they were damaging the foundations of a nearby house, Pathways.

But Suffolk Coastal District Council refused permission to fell the trees, which all had official preservation orders.

Council spokesman Bob Chamberlain said: "Suffolk Coastal took the view that there was not enough evidence to prove the trees were causing structural damage."

"We also recognised the historical importance of the trees to the local community," he added.

But an appeal to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister reversed the decision, and the council had to give up the fight to save them.

Mr Chamberlain said: "We had no real choice but to give the permission that these trees, that have long been part of the Aldeburgh landscape, can now be felled."

However, some owners of the land the trees are growing on have not yet been identified.

If they come forward and object before Monday, May 5, the trees could be granted a stay of execution, says the council.

N What do you think? Write in to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk or visit the forum at www.eveningstar.co.uk