Chainsaw massacre in Hebden Bridge

A valuable piece of urban woodland, a former millpond in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire is under threat from development, ironically as a site for 10 alleged 'eco homes'. The site is owned by a shadowy and cynical compny called Green Tops Ltd. Many trees on the site are covered by a tree preservation order. This did not prevent a chainsaw massacre taking place yesterday (Tuesday) when the developer arrived with tree surgeons and security to take out as many trees as possible to clear the site for development. No planning application has yet been submitted.

At 7.30 this morning, residents awoke to find an army of security guards all along Windsor View. They attacked anyone who tried to get near or go over the wall to the Mill Pond. They were abusive and very aggressive.

All morning, residents remonstrated with them and Mark Clyndes, agent for Green Tops was organising this assault. Many people still managed to get on to the Mill Pond, and climb trees, some opf which were felled with people still up them. By midday when the Forestry Commission arrived, and they were finally persuaded to stop, most had been felled.

Photos, video and more info, including a number of emails from Green Tops (and reponses ) can be found at www.hebdenbridge.co.uk