RESIDENTS have been left shocked after a protected tree outside their homes was hacked down.

The tree in Avon Crescent in Bicester makes up part of an 'ornamental garden' originally created to add green open space to the housing estate.

But householders woke on Sunday morning to find one of the trees on the green had been felled.

Bicester mayor and nearby resident Les Sibley said: "It is outrageous really, whether it is private land or not it is vandalism.

"The community has used this space for recreational purposes for many years.

"The open space was designed as an ornamental garden for that very reason.

"The worst part is that it is an irreversible act and has ruined the character of the area."

Mr Sibley said the tree, protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), needed permission from Cherwell District Council to be brought down.

Cherwell District Council has confirmed the order covered the tree in question.

A TPO is made by a local planning authority to protect specific trees or woodlands and prohibits cutting down, topping, lopping, uprooting, wilful damage and wilful destruction.

The district council has also said its planning enforcement team was investigating the feeling and would take further action as required.

The land sits at the end of a row of houses in Avon Crescent and is separate to the rest of the woodland by a small path.

It has been subject to a number of planning applications in recent years but is yet to have plans for any construction approved.

Mr Sibley added: "They are protected by a TPO so even if its private land you would still need permission from the council and there would have to be good reason for removing them.

"It is terrible really, especially if it is to put pressure on the council and local residents to accept any planning applications."

It is not known who is responsible for bringing down the tree and Cherwell District council is currently investigating.