More than 600 residents have called on the county council to take legal action against the removal of three mature trees in the Antonine Gate estate, in St Albans.

According to the e-petition – published on the county council website – the trees were cut down on December 5.

And residents, says the petition, suggest the removal may have been "an illegal act" – carried out, they suggest, with the intention of developing the land.

According to the petition – started by Jennifer Tarvet, from the Verulam Estate Residents’ Association – a public footpath runs across the land.

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It says the footpath is used as a ‘major’ exit and entry point to Verulamium Park – with the land used as a safe play space for children and a community meeting place.

According to the petition, no planning application had yet been lodged for the site when the trees were removed.

But it suggests the removal may have been ‘a pre-emptive act’ to remove potential obstacles and pressure the council into awarding planning permission at a later date.

The petition calls on the county council to take "firm legal action" to deter any future developers from "irreparably damaging such important green spaces".

The e-petition ran on the county council website between January 10 and April 4 and was signed by 612 people.

Now, the county council has published a response confirming that council officers are investigating.

“We are aware of the removal of three trees in the Antonine Gate estate and an investigation is under way by officers, which if required will include seeking legal advice,” says the county council response to the petition, published on its website.

“However, whilst the case is live we are unable to comment further.

“At this stage it is not possible to provide a timeline for resolution, however officers will be able to provide progress updates to your local county councillor.”