Fuming residents were today fighting to save their picturesque street after the council began pulling up willow trees.

Workers told locals they had no choice but to rip up the mature trees in West Beech Avenue, Wickford.

Residents said they were told it was because of subsidence problems at nearby homes and the move was for their benefit.

But residents today disputed any trouble and claimed the action would knock thousands of pounds off the value of their properties.

Mike Brown, who lives in the cul-de-sac, said: "I reckon I've lost £20,000 because we're going to be completely exposed to the bypass opposite and the railway track.

"They used my address for the subsidence reason but I haven't got any problems.

"The whole street is up in arms about this."

The trees are believed to have been first planted when the Wickford bypass was built. It was hoped they would provide an attractive barrier between homes and the busy road and muffle the sound of traffic.

But self-employed plasterer Mr Brown, 32, said: "Now it's just a mess. The 600-yard embankment by the road is completely exposed.

"They're changing the environment in which we live. This was a lovely street to look at in the summer and we're happy with the trees being here."

Residents are now also worried about young hooligans causing trouble by using their road as a shortcut to the embankment and on to the town centre.

Mr Brown was today planning to contact Basildon Council to try to halt the drastic work.

No-one was available at Basildon Council to comment.

Picture, top: Angry - Mike Brown outside his home and the trees that might have to be removed

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