TREE cutting work in Greenock's west end has left Inverclyde's MP and an ex-councillor going barking mad.

Ronnie Cowan and retired parks boss Jim Hunter demanded an explanation from Inverclyde Council after trees along the roadsides of various streets - plus Cove Road in Gourock - were pollarded or taken down.

Work began this month on the trees on Finnart Street, Brisbane Street, Ardgowan Street, Union Street and Cove Road.

But Mr Hunter and Mr Cowan say it is 'destroying local history'.

Mr Cowan, who lives in the area where the works are taking place, says local residents were not consulted.

He accused the local authority of 'butchering' the trees and leaving them them 'looking terrible'.

The MP said: "From what I can see, I wouldn't have said the trees needed to be destroyed in the way they were.

"They didn't seem diseased or dangerous and are such a huge part of the area's history.

"Some of them have been pollarded while others have been taken to stubs.

"The removal of the branches and limbs look terrible and who knows if they will ever grow back again?

"With the United Nations Climate Change Conference being held in Glasgow later this year we should be focusing on re-greening our towns and cities, not removing trees."

Mr Hunter, who as parks boss was responsible for sprucing up the area, says he has been inundated with calls regarding the trees from concerned locals.

He told the Tele: "It's breaking my heart seeing the trees like this.

"Some of them are over 100 years old and looking at how they've been topped I don't think they'll grow back.

"For something to take so long to grow but such a short time to destroy is very sad indeed.

"So much work was put into this area and it is a shame to see this happening."

Inverclyde Council say the work was carried out by specialist contractors after recommendations from experts.

A council spokesperson said: "These are essential maintenance works being carried out by a specialised contractor on our behalf.

"The works follow an inspection and report by an external arborist which provided recommendations to the maintenance requirements of our roadside trees.

"The works include various prioritised treatments to over 250 of our roadside trees, mainly pollarding and crown reduction."