PEOPLE who chop down trees without permission will be dealt with in the courts, the council warned today.

Planning bosses have adopted a "get tough" approach to the felling of trees.

It follows a number of incidents in Bolton of trees being axed illegally.

Councillor David Wilkinson, executive member for the environment at Bolton Council, said the local authority had to be told of any intention to remove trees in conservation areas.

He said the council would take people to court if they failed to do so.

The council is currently appealing for information for the latest case of felling which took place at Foxholes Road, Horwich.

In January, 30 trees were felled without permission in a conservation area.

It is not clear why it happened as there are no plans to develop the site, but council officers are gathering evidence in order to take action against those responsible.

Cllr Wilkinson said: "Anyone intending to remove trees in a conservation area must apply to the council for permission.

"But this issue goes much further, for it is not acceptable to clear any site of trees without consulting us first.

"The trees in Horwich were an important part of the landscape and their removal was illegal and unacceptable. We intend to take action against the perpetrators and to pursue this case vigorously."

Anyone with information should contact the Council's Planning Department on 01204 336047.