Trees which line Oxford's Abingdon Road have been removed or replaced during work to improve the carriageway.

Sheila Salway at the site of one of the felled trees in Abingdon Road

Six trees which were either diseased, had been damaged by cars or were an obstruction to forthcoming roadworks, were chopped down last week.

County council chairman Shereen Karmali said: "We have worked hard to retain as many trees as possible. Some had to be removed regardless of the fact that repair work is starting."

She said the number of trees in the street would double, adding: "We hope that residents can see we have done our best in the circumstances."

Sheila Salway, of Magdalen Road, said: "If the trees are diseased and likely to be dangerous they should be chopped down but if not I think it is really bad.

"The council is saying the trees must be chopped down so the road can be laid but they have been there for 150 or more years and the road has obviously been laid around them before."

The trees which remain will have their drainage and ventilation systems improved. This will be completed by hand and will make the trees stronger.

The roadworks in Abingdon Road are part of a major resurfacing scheme which has been carried out in phases during school holidays.

The repairs will reduce some of the carriageway to a single lane and traffic will be controlled by 24-hour temporary traffic signals.

Motorists are advised to use park-and-ride to reduce congestion and a signed diversion route will be provided for cyclists.

For more information contact Ms Karmali on 01865 245166.