PREPARATORY works ahead of major roadworks to be carried out on the B3247 Seaton to Hessenford road have been upsetting some local residents.

The road suffered serious damage, including cracks and subsidence in the flooding of November and December last year, and Cornwall Council has set aside up to £2m for its repair.

Resident Sue Waters said, along with others who live in Seaton, she was very upset to see Cormac workers begin the felling of some healthy trees in the area.

'These trees have stood at the head of our valley in front of our home for a very long time. Firstly they were trimmed and then, before we could do anything about it, they were sawn down the next day within a very short time,' she said.

'How could these trees that have stood for so long be taken down without anyone being informed? The wood looked in perfect condition and the trees seemed very healthy.'

Mrs Waters added that people were also upset throughout last week when the valley road was closed without any prior notice to residents, causing problems for drivers.

In a statement Cornwall Council said: 'The B3247 at Seaton experienced significant damage following the severe flooding last year.

'As a result of a landslip, the road has been under traffic light control since then. In order to fully reopen the road, major improvements need to be made to support the failed section of highway. These are significant works which require preparatory design, including geotechnical surveys and boreholes. The tree clearance works were agreed in advance with the council's forestry team and are necessary to allow heavy equipment to access the site.

'The present works are expected to take a couple of weeks. We do not anticipate further road closures.'