Latchmere Primary School has assured worried local residents that trees being felled in the half term break had to be removed for health and safety reasons.

The headteacher of the north Kingston school said two trees were being taken down because they had become unsafe and prevented children playing there, and new trees would be planted.

Julie Ritchie said: “The area used to be a children’s play area and became a health and safety issue. The children have not been able to go there since Christmas.

“We are keeping all the trees that are healthy. We are an eco-friendly school and have an eco group.”