IN response to complaints about work on Penarth Docks new footpath, an open letter asking "Who is to blame for destroying our environment?" has been issued to the Vale council.

Written by Plaid Cymru electoral candidate Ben Foday, the letter seeks an explanation for what he calls the "devastation" being done to trees "a long way from the construction area" next to the new path that will link Paget Road to the Penarth Marina.

In the letter, Mr Foday says: "Several people from Penarth have been in touch with me recently about an issue that's causing concern.

"Many people will have been surprised at the devastation that greets you as you walk along the new Penarth Docks woodland path.

"It appears that the contractors or council employees engaged on constructing the path have been rather over-enthusiastic in cutting down trees a long way from the construction area.

"I can understand cutting down undergrowth in the immediate vicinity of the path because it makes the construction works easier.

"But I agree with my correspondents that it's difficult to fathom a good reason for the wanton destruction of woodland."

He continues on accusing the council of "remarkable levels of nonchalance".

In response to Mr Foday's allegations Phil Beaman, Operational Manager for Parks and Grounds Maintenance explained that the work was primarily carried out to open up the views from Paget Road Park which have become increasingly restricted in recent years.

He adds that, rather than being simply cut down the trees were pruned by a combination of pollarding and coppicing to benefit the roots of trees affected and also reducing the movement of large trees that may have affected the stability of the cliff.

“When coppicing or pollarding is carried out a tree's root system is not touched, and so remains binding the soil," he said. "In the spring, shoots will begin to grow from the cut stump. This rejuvenates the tree, in effect keeping it young and prolonging its life. It is a traditional woodland management practice."