A Chorley councillor who has expressed concerns that mature trees within Astley Park will be for the chop has been told he is 'barking up the wrong tree'.

Councillor Mark Perks believes plans to regenerate the park could lead to historic trees being axed as part of the Heritage Fund proposals to regenerate Astley Park.

Part of the funding bid requires the park to return to its former glory.

However it is claimed the proposals may well mean removal of a variety of the mature species of trees - some well over 100 years old - that can be currently found within the park.

Councillor Perks, who represents Astley Village and Buckshaw, said the trees were mainly oak and beech.

"If such a radical tree felling programme is planned it will itself alter the character of a park.

"Chorley people have come to love and grown up with the park and its present trees.

"I suspect public outrage if mature trees are felled in the park.

"Local tree wardens have been expressing alarm at the proposals concerning the possible felling within the park.

"It's been reported back to me that when questions have been asked regarding the felling of trees words like 'extensive' and 'considerable' are being used."

Jane Meek, head of regeneration for Chorley Borough Council, explained the reasoning behind the proposals.

She said: "We have consulted woodland management experts at all stages of the plans and any mature trees that need to go will be replaced with new trees.

"Part of the Heritage funding means that landscapes need to be restored to how they were in the past.

"This means that several mature trees close to Astley Hall will need to be transplanted.

"All the trees identified within the vicinity of the hall will be uprooted and planted elsewhere in the park."