Hreod Burna Urban Forest is embroiled in a row over trees planted in December on Cricklade Field.

A thousand trees were planted before the charity had obtained the necessary permissions.

HBUF founding trustee Josie Lewis had called for the trees to be pulled up saying “the land is public open space, which by definition is a sports ground or playing field”.

But HBUF chairman Steve Thompson has hit back at criticisms.

He said: “There’s loads of room for kids to come and have a kick about here.

“We spent two years debating planting these trees. I’ve got no idea why Josie is opposing it. She keeps coming up with different reasons.

“This was not something we suddenly decided upon. Every time we discussed it we had a vote as a group.

“We’re a forest group this is what we do, we plant trees,” Steve said.

He continued: “We have incorporated open spaces into the planting. There is enough room for 10 kids to have a game of football about here, and you can have picnics too.”

HBUF has now completed a new tree plan with the parish estates manager Andrew Briggs to get permission for the trees from the borough council.

“I do expect that the council will be satisfied with the new plan,” added Steve.

Central Swindon North Parish Council are holding a meeting for local residents on Cricklade Field this Sunday, to discuss the future of these trees.