MYSTERY surrounds the massacre of a number of trees which have been hacked down in Radcliffe's Close Park.

Now all that remains of the once mighty trees are stunted trunks.

Nearby residents are furious at Bury Council for approving the carnage.

One householder said: "It's nothing but environmental vandalism. It's so sad that trees that have stood there for more than 100 years can be chopped down and ripped out like this. It's upset a lot of people. Words fail me."

She added: "I have lived in the area for 30 years and I've seen it go to rack and ruin. Close Park used to be absolutely beautiful."

No-one has any idea why the healthy trees have been axed.

Despite repeated attempts to contact the council's trees and woodlands officer Mr Kevin Price, there was no reply at the time of going to press.

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