Protesters upset over trees being removed from woodland will present a petition to council chiefs tonight calling for some to be replanted.

In February, people living in and around Park Avenue in Broadstairs were devastated to find some 40 trees felled from land behind the cricket ground.

Land owner Parkstairs Ltd, in a letter to residents, said the health and safety work was necessary due to some dead and dying trees being in a dangerous condition.

But objectors say the area has been stripped, despite many of the trees being understood to have protection orders on them.

Park Avenue Woodland Group, set up after the felling, is demanding those with tree preservation orders (TPOs) are replanted and are putting forward two petitions to Thanet council tonight, with a total of more than 750 signatures.

David Tate, who launched the petitions, says they are also asking that the land be designated as open space, to stop any development happening there.

In addition to this, the group has applied to Kent County Council for the footpath between Park Avenue and Broadstairs Cricket Ground to be made a public right of way.

Mr Tate said: “The woodland is a popular area for walkers, dog walkers, joggers and children playing, and a habitat for wildlife and birds; a really wonderful place.

“The work cannot be undone, so a replanting scheme and protection for future generations to enjoy would be satisfactory, with a reaffirmation that this site will be retained as open space/woodland."

“All councillors have been contacted as we feel that it is a Thanet-wide, if not national, issue.”

Mr Tate claims there is a covenant, introduced by the seller of the land in 1931, that the area should be kept as open space, with the exception of the 22 houses in Parkwood Close.

He added: “We have contacted The Forestry Commission because it seems pretty clear that more than five cubic metres of timber have been removed, and if so, we believe that a licence would be needed.

“Upon replanting, a community group could be established to assist its maintenance.

“In an era of climate change and Thanet District Council’s declaration of such an emergency, we find it strange that permission appears to be given to fell so many trees when we are encouraged to plant more.”

On Saturday a protest was held at the site in Park Avenue with residents demanding a replanting programme take place.

A spokesman for Thanet council says the authority has been investigating the removal of trees and multiple visits to the site have already been made.

“The council is currently determining whether to take formal action following the felling,” she said.

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