BUNGLING contractors have been accused of desecrating a hedgerow and removing it without permission.

The removal of part of the green corridor along a St Peter's pedway has been described as an act of vandalism by a city councillor.

Annette Burlingham, who lives in nearby Raven Drive, was shocked to find workers removing shrubs from the side of the Starling Pedway, which runs along Bath Road, last Friday.

Contractors were due to carry out work on land adjacent to 51 Arden Road, where permission is being sought to build two homes, but the planning application showed the hedge was due to be kept.

Mrs Burlingham said: "I woke up one morning and saw this JCB heading for the hedge having already made a great big hole in it.

"I just thought, oh no, this is just awful. It shouldn't have happened."

The hawthorn and blackthorn hedge had been home to a variety of wildlife and Mrs Burlingham said a pair of Blackcaps were spotted last spring, along with greater spotted woodpeckers.

She said: "It's a tragedy for the wildlife. It's been desecrated."

Mrs Burlingham said one of the reasons she had bought the house was because of the lovely wooded backdrop and she is now concerned about a lack of privacy.

Worcester city councillor, Roger Knight, said: "This is the hedgerow that forms the boundaries of the fields from years ago.

"My understanding is that the hedgerow was to remain.

"It certainly needed to be trimmed back but ripping it out is an act of vandalism.

"It was unnecessary and it shouldn't have been done."

A spokesman from Worcester City Council said planning officers had conducted a site visit since hearing of the complaint.

She added: "The hedgerow doesn't have statutory protection however they agree that the developer onsite has taken out the hedge in contradiction to the agreed planning permission."

She said the most likely option is that the developer will be asked to adjust the plans and resubmit the application.

Michael Brown, who is acting as the agent for the developer, said he was unwilling to comment as both he and the developer were on holiday.