A pub boss has reassured nature lovers he will replant trees in a beachside beer garden following the removal of four earlier this year.

Frank Thorley, whose firm Thorley Taverns has 19 pubs in Thanet, received a backlash from environmentalists after the mature trees were felled at The Pavilion in Broadstairs.

Tree specialists had deemed them dangerous, but the decision was met with fury by critics.

Mr Thorley said he too was sad to see them go, but pledged to replace them.

The whole beer garden has since been paved over and new beach hut seating has been installed, sparking fears the pub chain has backtracked on its promise.

But Mr Thorley has assured he is arranging for trees to be replanted at the site.

“They can’t be planted until between October and March,” he said. “We have it all in hand and we are in touch with the council.

“Four trees were taken down and four will be replaced.

“There is a shortage of trees across the country at the moment. Everyone has gone mad - not only planting them in their private gardens but commercially as well.

“We have been in touch with tree specialists across the country and they are all singing off the same hymn sheet.

“We can’t wait to get it done and put it to bed. But we are completely restricted by the availability of the trees.”

Mr Thorley, who has run pubs on the Isle since 1975, says he only found out the original trees - four large Scotch Pines - were dangerous after getting them checked by tree surgeons ahead of work to add beach hut seating to the garden, which is next to Viking Bay.

But following their removal, social media was flooded with comments from people criticising the decision to take the trees down, with Mr Thorley’s daughter forced to issue a statement on the matter.

In it, she said they had already spoken to a nursery about the replacement trees.

“They will obviously be planted in the same places, and the specific trees chosen have to be advised by the nursery and then approved by the council...,” she said. “Please know we are as gutted as you that the original trees that were there are no more.”

Wildlife Conservation Group in Thanet was one of the many critics voicing concerns on Facebook.

“Very sad to learn that the four beautiful trees in the beach garden have been removed,” the group said.

“Please know we are as gutted as you that the original trees that were there are no more...”

“They really added character, beauty and structure to the view.

“They also provided important shade in the summer and habitat for wildlife.

“We even spotted a very rare bird known as a pied crow in them a few years ago.

“We have been informed replacements will be planted in autumn.”

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