Trees planted in memory of soldiers who died in the First World War have been cut down to make way for a new housing development.
Callington residents have been left devastated after the trees were removed to widen Launceston Road.
'Cutting the trees has been very insensitive to the feelings of the people in the town and action was taken with no knowledge or understanding of the meaning attached to them,' said Caradon and town councillor Andrew Long at a town council meeting this week.
David Jones from Callington Royal British Legion said: 'There are people alive today in Callington whose relatives died in the First World War, they saw the trees as being in memory of their own families.
'Even if they are replaced, it will take a while, so a permanent memorial should be in the town.'
The housing development has planning permission for 31 new homes, 18 of which are affordable social housing.
Mark Williams of Williams Contractors (Southwest) said: 'The trees had to come down as was agreed in the planning, but they will be replaced eventually.
'If people had objections, they knew about this development over two years ago, so they have left it a bit late to raise concerns.'
Callington residents planted the row of around 20 beech, lime and sycamore trees after the First World War.
Cllr Long said: 'I will take this matter to the chief executive of Cornwall County Council if necessary to get a full explanation as to why it was dealt with so badly and hopefully we will get a plaque and a ceremony to commemorate those who died in the First World War.'
The trees will eventually be replaced as part of the planning agreement once the road has been widened and the development finished.