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Distraught villagers have held a candlelit vigil and laid wreaths in memory of two “iconic” hedges.

Keelby Parish Council ordered two hawthorn hedges to be “bulldozed” from the village green and replaced with “horrible metal fencing”.

The two hedges have been subject to an online petition, which aimed to “Save the Keelby village hedge” and was signed by 1,215 people, including environmental activists in California and Illinois.

The almost 40-year-old hedges were believed to be safe from removal after a council meeting where it was heard: “The trees can remain if the canopy is lifted”.

(Image: Louise Drakes)

Minutes from Keelby Parish Council’s meeting read: “Third party quote received from Councillor Everitt for the raising of the canopy on the hawthorn trees.

“This would remedy the removal of the trees and still enable vision for cars reversing from drives on Wivell Drive.

“Councillor Indian proposed that the access to be altered so the trees can remain if the canopy is lifted and an access point can still be created. Fencing to be reduced and the rest of the proposal to remain the same.”

The motion was carried with four for and two against.

(Image: Jon Corken/Grimsby Live)

However residents were woken up to the sound of JCBs “bulldozing” their precious hedges on Friday morning.

This led to “children crying in the streets” and a candlelit vigil where wreaths were laid.

Louise Drakes has been campaigning to save the hedges since May, as well as six years ago when they were first under threat.

She said: “I can’t believe what has happened. Keelby Parish Council arranged for them to be chopped down early on Friday morning when most of us were in bed or already at work.

“They have chopped both hedges down and now put up a horrible metal fence. This is not what was agreed on at the council meeting, and they're not meant to touch the hedges until late August, according to Government guidelines."

(Image: Rick Byrne / Grimsbylive)

Earlier this year, Keelby Parish Council claimed “the removal of hedges would provide a better vision for drivers and safeguard pedestrians who use this route”.

However this was disproved by retired tree surgeon Gary Lewis who said a solution could be achieved through pruning the hedges when they’re dormant, rather than chopping them down.

The upset and outraged residents have taken to social media to share their “disgust” over what has happened.

One resident said: “Disgraceful… absolutely. They could have trimmed it back if there was a problem, but they ripped it all up with a JCB. Why?”

(Image: Jon Corken/Grimsby Live)

One resident said: “This is absolutely disgusting. I’m fuming! To say they wouldn’t pull them down, then renege on that is beyond contempt.

And to do it first thing in the morning like this as well is beyond sly.

“They need holding to account. All of them.”

The two hawthorn hedges were popular with children, who enjoyed to climb up them and sit on their branches.

This caused concern to some residents who believe chopping them down was a good move. One said: “My heart was always in my mouth when I’d see kids up there above the lump of concrete. It will be a safer access for all, I hope.”

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But another angry resident said: “I used to climb trees when I was little. The kids loved this tree and hedgerow to play in. Things like this just draw them away from getting with nature and onto screens. Keelby Parish Council should be ashamed.

“So what if they fall out, it’s a part of growing up which I think the parish council need to do. So much for the extension to the playground. They could have spent the money on more useful things.”

Another resident simply said: “The moto for Keelby should be ‘come to Keelby, the place of little fun.”

Keelby Parish Council have been contacted for a comment.

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