BURNLEY Council is carrying out a root and branch survey of four trees outside Padiham Town Hall, which could be for the chop.

Burnley Council's tree officer, Roger Rawlinson, inspected the hornbeam trees and said although they are in a healthy condition the front of the Town Hall in Church Street is now obscured and the clock cannot be seen.

His report also claims that the offices and the library behind the trees have a lack of natural light. The trees were last pruned in 1997.

He gives four options for the future of the hornbeams: remove the trees and replace them with a more suitable species; phase out the trees by removing two now and the remaining two five years later; thin the trees out or do nothing.

Staff at Padiham Town Hall have been asked for their thoughts on the trees and many gave favourable replies.

One member of staff said: "I would be upset to lose them. They create a soothing green and leafy oasis in the summer, which doubtless helps to de-stress the team.

"In spring they have been home to a family of wood pigeons giving us the opportunity to witness in close up their rearing process. My vote definitely goes in the 'Save Our Trees Pile.'"

But not everyone at Padiham Town Hall is keen for the trees to stay. One wrote, "Chop the ******s down."

Now Padiham Town Council is asking residents to make their feelings known. Padiham clerk Elizabeth Bolton said: "I think it is imperative we get the views of the people of Padiham.

"Anyone can write in or call in at my office of contact any of the Padiham town councillors, a list of whom is posted outside the Town Hall."

Mr Rawlinson said the four hornbeams were an important landmark.