Steps are being taken to make sure "unscrupulous" developers do not bulldoze trees before they can be protected.

Wickford councillors are calling for an emergency tree preservation order (TPO) system to be set up to save trees in immediate danger.

The move has come after several trees in Hill Avenue, Wickford, were axed by developers as residents battled to get orders.

Wickford area committee said measures needed to be taken to speed up the current system.

Councillor Malcolm Buckley said: "We have had some issues with trees being removed before TPOs were served.

"It does seem the council sometimes has problems getting these TPOs in place quickly.

"I would like to see some changes to prevent people moving trees before applications are determined.

"Trees are an important part of our environment and we should be seeking ways of protecting the environment generally."

Mr Buckley said he also wanted developers to be forced to pay for trees elsewhere if they removed one worthy of a TPO.

Hill Avenue residents joined forces in December in a bid to protect trees at the bottom of their back gardens. After waking to the sound of chainsaws they parked under the remaining trees to prevent any more being lost.

Basildon Council responded a few days later by placing TPOs on those left. However, residents had applied to the council in November to get the orders and were awaiting a decision when the developers moved in.

The Wickford councillors' recommendations will be passed on to Basildon Council's environment committee.

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