FRUSTRATED residents fear all their concerns have been ignored as a developer prepares to fell protected trees to make way for 70 new homes.

Campaigners have repeatedly opposed Taylor Wimpey plans on the former Cantel Medical Ltd site in Campfield Road, Shoebury, but it appears work is set to begin shortly.

The plans include the removal of 62 trees which sit on a hill on the boundary of the site.

Earlier this year, the company put up temporary metal fencing which was promptly knocked down by protesters.

Some sturdy wooden posts are now being put in place with wooden pegs marking where the rest should go but workers haven’t yet returned to finish the job.

Tim Fransen, who helped lead the fight to save the trees, some of which are protected by tree preservation orders, put forward alternative suggestions for the scheme which would have preserved some of them.

He said “Nothing’s changed from the objections previously. Everything has been ignored. All the suggestions have been ignored and they’re just steam rolling ahead, destroying trees and wildlife.

“Residents haven’t been listened to throughout the whole process and the council is complicit to this. It’s vandalism as far as I’m concerned.”

Resident Mark Ambridge said he was worried people would trip over the wooden marker pegs which are partially obscured by grass.

He said: “It’s appalling the lack of concern for pedestrians who could easily trip on them, as they run directly next to the public footpath. Particularly at this time of year with limited daylight.

“They are not small batons either so, with that path a popular school run, it’s only a matter of time before someone takes a tumble. I think that if fencing is required it should be done as a matter of urgency to negate the risk to the public.”

East Beach Residents’ Association, East Beach Park Residents’ Association, Shoebury Garrison Residents’ Association and Shoebury Residents’ Association all urged Taylor Wimpey to reconsider felling the trees.

A Taylor Wimpey spokesman said: “Since receiving planning permission for our development in Campfield Road we have been preparing the information required to discharge planning conditions that will enable us to start work on site. We are confident that our proposals will benefit the wider community and secure the future of this site by delivering 72 high quality homes.”