Miles of roadside trees chopped down after squirrels ’cause branches to fall on to unsuspecting drivers’

A MILE of roadside trees has been chopped down after squirrels caused branches to fall on cars.

Up to 750 beeches were turned into 4ft stumps along the A38.

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Squirrels were blamed for ripping bark off trees and causing branches to break off.

The axing between Bodmin and Dobwalls in Cornwall was carried out by stately Boconnoc House and Estate on the advice of road chiefs.

Locals hit out at the loss of trees. Sue Downey, 65, of Truro, said: “I nearly crashed because the sight was so unbearable. We can’t afford to lose beautiful trees.”

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Libby Pidcock, 67, of Bodmin, said: “I’m appalled. It looks like the trees have been vandalised. They look like jagged teeth.”

But Annette Robinson, 55, of St Austell, said: “A squirrel dropped in front of my son on his driving test and caused him to brake sharply. Needless to say he failed.”

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An estate spokesman said the stumps would grow into “a high beech hedge”.

Highways England said tree owners were advised some “needed attention” and work was done at night during closures for roadworks.