A girls' school has won planning permission to fell 26 trees to make way for new coach and car parking areas, despite protests.

Plans to fell the trees have angered residents living near St Helen and St Katharine's School in Faringdon Road, Abingdon.

More than £250,000 is to be spent to reduce congestion and improve road safety outside the 450-pupil school.

The existing driveway at either end of the main school building is to be extended to provide better parking for up to 12 coaches. Parking for staff and visitors will also be improved, but 26 trees and a hedge will go, and a mound will be reduced in size.

Dr Robert Sekulin, who heads a neighbours' opposition group, said: "We are in favour of the ultimate aim, to reduce congestion and improve road safety outside the school but the loss of trees and reduction in the size of the mound is not acceptable. What amounts to a beautiful copse and small eco system will disappear. Mature trees should be kept."

But the Vale of White Horse District Council ruled that the trees were of a poor quality and their loss would not harm the area.

School agent David Lea said a pupil had been hit by a car two years ago outside the school. "These plans are vital to improve safety for the children and road users," he said. The work was due to be carried out before next term.