Residents living behind the new Morrisons supermarket development at Wick reacted angrily after contractors working on the scheme axed a number of protected trees.

Neighbours Barbara Hollingdale and Rita and Michael Small, of Courtwick Lane, were horrified when builders began chopping down two sycamore trees and an oak which had been safeguarded by a tree preservation order, in 1999.

However, a spokeswoman from the supermarket giant claimed the company had been given permission by Arun District Council to take down the trees, and that Morrisons had not been made aware of any such order – something which Arun refutes.

Mrs Hollingdale, 50, has lived in the lane for more than 22 years. She attended a consultation evening held earlier this year explaining the layout of the store and an adjoining enterprise centre in refurbished former Body Shop offices, but claimed there was no mentioned of the trees, opposite her family home, being cut down.

“This has caused a great deal of distress for us,” said Mrs Hollingdale.

“A number of beautiful trees have been destroyed here without any need.”

For the full story, see this week’s Littlehampton Gazette (Thursday, December 27).