RESIDENTS in Altrincham are slamming council chiefs for what they say is going against their own environmental policy.

For those living on Oakfield Street near to Balmoral Road are angry that Trafford are chopping down trees to build a new car park.

And they believe it goes against everything the council promote about keeping town centres green.

Homeowner Sandra Higgins tells SAM: "We opposed the plans to build a new car park here when they were first released but the plan went through committee in August - when most of us were away on holiday!

"There are 27 houses affected - five of which are empty - and 19 of those homeowners objected to the proposals.

"Despite this, we were told that there were not enough objections and the scheme to flatten the natural wooded area and create a pay and display car park for more than 50 cars was passed."

Mrs Higgins has lived in the same house for 41 years and says residents did manage to agree with the council that some trees should be kept and this has been made a condition.

But she is still confused as to why the plan is even going ahead when the council advocates green areas in towns and less pollution.

She goes on: "They say that they want to make the borough a better place and keep green land but now they are building a car park in the heart of Altrincham.

"How can they encourage more use of public transport on one hand and then provide more space for people bringing their cars into the town centre - it just baffling!"

Head of traffic and transportation at Trafford council, Geoff Ball says: "The two new temporary car parks are being created on Balmoral Road to improve parking facilities for shoppers and workers in Altrincham and the planning permission is for five years.

"The scheme has been modified in response to residents' concerns about traffic passing along Oakfield Street so access is now to be on Balmoral Road.

"Before the work started, the council was requested by residents living next to the land to retain some trees to screen the car park from view.

"A three metre wide strip of existing planting is being left along Balmoral Road frontage and new tree planting will take place to the Oakfield Street frontage.

"This will ensure the car park is visually screened from residents, but that public safety and security on the car park is not compromised."