AN 11-YEAR-OLD environmental activist has joined outraged residents from Brucehill after a building developer ignored an order and removed cherished trees.

Earlier last month controversial plans for more than 80 new homes on the site of the former St Michael’s Primary School and Notre Dame Convent were given the green light.

The company’s application was approved despite concerns from campaign groups about the impact the proposed development would have on the environment.

However, residents rallied together after workers were seen with diggers knocking down trees – despite a Tree Preservation Order in place to protect the wildlife.

Youngster Sam Napier was shocked and upset by the action. He told the Reporter: “In this meadow there are hundreds of species of wildlife, comprised of a lot of endangered butterflies and rare insects which help pollinate the flowers and plants.

“There are awful things happening to some of the (over a hundred year old) trees; they are being teared from the earth that they settle within and being chopped unmercilessly down by a building company.

“This is awful for the environment, given these trees are extremely old, this is also devastating for the wildlife, leaving masses of species without a habitat or any ease of access anywhere else, and finally this is very sad for the community nearby as it is a beloved, naturous forest which has such an amazing beauty.”

Previously, the Reporter told that the technical director of the project, Tom Cahill, confirmed that there would not be any trees removed to facilitate the construction.

Local resident Aileen Campbell said: “Residents of Brucehill are disgusted with the developer who they feel has misled the committee and the planning department in their intentions regarding these boundary trees.

“These trees were a favourite of residents nearby including some of the housebound elderly, but within hours of the meeting, workers began demolition of trees and have now felled all but three trees on the boundary.”

Councillor Karen Conaghan who represents the Dumbarton ward, told the Reporter: “I am both saddened and disgusted by this act of environmental vandalism.

“Assurances were sought, and given by the developer around protecting the trees and natural woodland setting on the former convent site; the blatant disregard for the tree protection order leaves me with wondering about the integrity of the developers.

“If the planning committee cannot trust a developer then where does that leave their ambitions to develop within West Dunbartonshire in the future?

“Nothing will bring back these trees that have been destroyed. I sincerely hope that should they get the go ahead to develop the site there is quality compensatory tree planting.”

Dumbarton councillor David McBride said he has contacted the planning manager to investigate these concerns and praised residents for highlighting the issue.

A spokesperson for West Dunbartonshire Council, who imposed the TPO, said: “We are extremely disappointed to discover that trees covered by a preservation order in place at Brucehill Cliffs and the former Notre Dame Convent site have been felled.

“We are currently working to understand the extent and circumstances of this as well as considering our next steps.”

Miller Homes did not respond to the Reporter’s request for comment before press.