ANGRY home owners on Blade Street have clashed with businessmen after tress near a car showroom were damaged.

And one resident, Stefan Komorowski, feels that managers at Chorley Nissan broke a promise not to destroy more trees after initial work clearing an area for a car park for 200 cars.

He further claims they should have had council planning permission for their work on Wheatfield Street adjacent to Blade Street. He referred the matter to the the police in the belief that the company have illegally destroyed nests.

He said: "Not everyone is concerned but a lot of us were. The noise has increased without the trees. We also don't want our environment ruined. After we complained at first they told the council they wouldn't destroy any trees but they have."

He was backed up by Lancaster Green Party organiser Jon Barry who added: "This is yet another example of how local people's views are treated with contempt by big business. Nissan are guilty of the 'act now, consult afterwards' school of consultation."

But dealer principal at the showroom, Peter Portlock, dismissed the claims after a special public meeting with residents. He commented: "The development is close to the residents of Blade Street and has caused some unrest but we are keen to work with the community, not against them. Their concern was that they hadn't been kept fully informed, and it was more a case of Chinese whispers that got out of hand."

More than a dozen residents met up with Mr Portlock and Chorley Nissan head Andrew for the meeting. Another is scheduled in four weeks' time.

A scouncil spokesman observed: "Current owners are preparing the site and removed a row of poor trees from the middle of the site. They were not protected and removal did not require consent. They have given an undertaking not to continue work which requires consent."

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