IT is hoped that memorial trees chopped down to make way for a housing development in Callington will be replaced this spring.

There was outrage from members of the Royal British Legion last month, when five of the trees planted in memory of soldiers who died in the first world war were felled to widen the road and improve visibility for the development in Launceston Road.

Callington town councillors were also angry there had been no consultation prior to the work, although the removal of the trees was given consent when planning permission was granted for the 31 homes in 2007. It was also a condition that new trees were planted on the other side of the pavement.

Cllr Andrew Long said at a meeting of the full council last week that Caradon District Council's enforcement section was in communication with the developers and were pushing for replanting by the end of March, the end of the season for planting trees.

'Hopefully by next month's meeting it will have happened,' he said.

'The developers have promised to communicate direct with the Royal British Legion and the planning department and once the trees are planted, a re-dedication ceremony will be organised and the installation of a plaque, so everyone knows why they were put there.'

Cllr Roger Ellard said the trees should be mature, not saplings, and some sort of guard needed to be put around them.

Cllr Thomas said the the need for substantial protection around these trees was discussed by the planning committee at the time the application was approved.

The council was told that the forestry officer had been involved with regard to the type of trees and they had to be a hardy British variety.

All the comments had been taken on board because the trees were in such a prominent place.