CHERRY trees which have delighted Innerleithen residents for generations have been ‘butchered’, according to a resident.

BT Group Properties – which owns the exchange where the trees are planted near Victoria Park – said pruning had taken place for safety reasons.

On her way to work last month, nearby resident Dawn Derbyshire spotted workmen at the trees and questioned them.

Ms Derbyshire said: “The trees now look dreadful.

“What a travesty for the park and those who pass them on a daily basis.

“I live behind so could be termed a ‘neighbour’.”

Ms Derbyshire said she was told by a workman that neighbours had asked for them to be cut down.

“I said as far as I knew they’d only asked for them to be trimmed lightly,” she said.

“He called over the other workman and I reiterated what I’d said and he confirmed they were to be cut down at the neighbours’ request. 

“I said they were healthy, beautiful and good for the environment.” 

Ms Derbyshire said she told the workmen that she would be “absolutely delighted” if the trees were left.

“When I came home [from work] they were the same,” she said.

“I was relieved but a day later the workmen returned, butchered one tree and further reduced the other.”

Ms Derbyshire contacted Innerleithen and District Community Council about the incident.

She said she asked the group what further action could be taken to stop similar activity in the future.

A spokesperson for the facilities management team responsible for BT Group properties said: “A number of trees within the grounds were pruned recently.

“This is done to remove dead or decaying branches and can help prevent branches from falling and causing damage or injury.”