Housing developers have responded to criticism that trees are being cut down on the Ashby By-pass in preparation for work to start on the new Money Hill estate.

Taylor Wimpey and Bloor Homes have promised that new trees will be planted in their place - more than have been taken down.

Work will begin next month on a new roundabout with a road being built on to land that will eventually become a 605-home estate.

Last week, Ashby Civic Society issued a statement saying it felt the damage being caused to the trees on the A511 was 'appalling' and should not be happening in - of all places - the National Forest.

Ashby Civic Society is 'appalled' by felling of trees on by-pass.

But Taylor Wimpey and Bloor Homes have responded to the comments.

A spokesperson told Ashby Nub News: "We understand the concerns of local residents and would like to assure them that the trees have been removed in line with the full planning permission granted by North West Leicestershire District Council.

"As part of our plans for the new development, we will be planting a greater number of new trees than were felled.

"We will also be providing a significant amount of planting both around the new roundabout and within the development itself.

"Planting around the new roundabout is scheduled to begin once the road works are completed later this year."

The companies add that the new Northern Junction has a full planning consent and pre-commencement conditions for a new strategic landscaping scheme and protection of retained trees has been discharged.

The junction will form a new access roundabout and bypass lane on the A511 into a new development of homes by Bloor Homes and Taylor Wimpey.

Planned work on the new junction is scheduled to start with a road closure on Sunday, April 10.