NEIGHBOURS are furious after two “stunning” 70-year-old blossom trees were chopped down by Electricity North West.

Rosanne Maher, of Abingdon Road, Tonge Moor was devastated the cherry blossom trees – one white, one pink – were chopped down last week.

The trees were planted more than 70 years ago by the electricity board to mask an electricity substation directly opposite Mrs Maher’s house.

She and other neighbours say the "ugly shed" is an eyesore – which could lower the value of their homes – and are angry they were not consulted by Electricity North West.

Mrs Maher, who works at a veterinary surgery, said: “These were truly stunning trees. It is a crime.

“The station is now open to the elements and could become a hot spot for fly tipping, as well as becoming interesting to some youths in the area.

“But our main concern is that these beautiful trees are no longer there for people to admire from their windows. Instead all they see is the ugly substation, which is so depressing.”

Mrs Maher said she was first told by Electricity North West the trees had been felled due to a complaint from a neighbour, but was later informed it was because they were leaning.

She said residents are in the street are not impressed that the electricity distribution company has said it is not prepared to replace the trees.

Mrs Maher said she and other neighbours who live close to our opposite the substation fear it could lower the value of their houses.

Mrs Maher added: “Everyone in the street I have spoken to is upset about what has happened.

“Now we have been left having to look at an ugly, horrible old shed.

“I have been pressing for something else to be planted there to make the eyesore look more attractive, but the whole thing is a farce.

“Neighbours surely should have been consulted before the trees were destroyed.”

A spokesman for Electricity North West said: “We received a complaint from a local resident regarding overgrown trees at our substation on Abingdon Road on 10th June.

“Our engineers visited site the next day and discovered that the trees were blocking access to the substation which is a serious safety hazard.

“We have since removed the trees so that we can easily gain access to the substation in an emergency situation and we have also put in place a new fence and cleaned the area.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and if residents would like any further information they can call us on 0800 195 4141 or contact us on Twitter @ElectricityNW.”