The felling of numerous trees in Ebrington Square in Derry has left local residents and an MLA “mystified”.
Ebrington sits in the heart of the city connecting the east and west banks via the Peace Bridge.
Members of the public shared images with this newspaper and expressed their dismay, as young trees that were dotted around the square have been cut to stumps.
Mark H Durkan said: “It’s a beautiful and it’s brilliant to see so many people out enjoying the sunshine here in Ebrington Square today.
“But like me, many of the people I’ve spoken to this morning are mystified as to why the beautiful trees in the square here, that added so much to the aesthetic and ambience in Ebrington have been cut down.
Read more
“Now, I’m stumped as to why this has happened and I will be asking The Executive Office why this has been done and what’s the logic or reason behind it.
“Maybe there is a good reason and it’s important that we establish that and that’s communicated to the public.”
More trees chopped to stumps.
The Executive Office has been contacted for comment.
The former Army base was handed back to the city 25 years ago.
In 2001, the Executive Office took ownership through the Reinvestment and Reform Initiative (RRI).
Delays to regeneration have been a source of frustration for locals, but in recent years more businesses have opened including the Ebrington Hotel.
Since 2003, the Executive has invested around £38 million in Ebrington, according to the Your Ebrington website.
This funding has restored buildings and land to attract businesses and visitors.
The site is now popular with locals and is a lively place for work and leisure.
It features the famous Star Fort Wall, historic buildings kept in great shape, as well as modern additions. This mix of old and new gives Ebrington a unique charm.
Tenants have also been announced for the office blocks on the site and they are set to move in shortly, while plans for a maritime museum are moving forward.
Workmen on the site with more tree stumps in front of them.