Residents 'fairly suspicious' of council move to cut 39 trees in Ballanard Road park

A group of residents say they are 'fairly suspicious' of a move by Douglas Council to cut down a number of registered trees in a local playing field. The 'Keep Willaston Field Green' community page believes the notice to fell 39 is 'incredibly coincidental' to the timing of a proposed building compound in the Ballanard Road park.Douglas Council has told Manx Radio that no trees are being removed to accommodate the compound it was agreed following a consultation with DEFA and the location of the compound has been chosen to 'minimise disruption' to residents.The local authority is looking to build a construction compound on the playing field next to the road whilst it carries out its refurbishment of its social housing stock in the area.However, a representative from the resident's group, who wished to be referred to only as Michael, believes if the trees are removed then it would be the 'first step' for the building compound to be developed. Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him.