FURIOUS Wilpshire villagers went out at night to try to stop the felling of scores of trees which they say has devastated land near their homes.

Residents near the railway bridge on Ribchester Road say workers have been out at night cutting down trees along the railway line.

The locals say that so far about 200 trees have been removed leaving a dangerous drop to the railway line.

Carol Clarkson of Whalley Road, said: "They have been doing it at night while everyone is asleep and they have taken down about 200 trees. It leaves a 60ft drop with no protection, and no fencing. If you fell you wouldn't stop until you hit the railway lines.

"It used to be a wooded area and it has been completely devastated."

Mrs Clarkson says that not enough was done to notify residents about the work, and by the time they complain officially to Network Rail, the trees will have already been felled.

She fears that the he area will soon be reduced to empty land.

Mrs Clarkson has even led about half a dozen residents in the early hours of the morning in an effort to stop the felling.

The 37-year-old mum of two said: "There were at least five or six of us up at three o'clock in the morning."

Councillor Stuart Hirst, Wilpshire representative, said: "I have had some concerns expressed by residents and I share their concern. I will be investigating further with the appropriate officers in the council."

Network Rail has admitted it is removing 'a hundred or so' trees. A spokesman said: "Some of the trees are dead, and some of them are very dangerous because the roots are becoming unstable. Because it is such a steep embankment we need to remove the trees.

"Our contractors have sent letters out to the properties but we apologise if some residents have been missed out." He said night work was necessary because it was not safe to use the equipment when the line was busy. There should not be a danger of falling because no on should be there.