"Brutal pollarding" of a tree during nesting season has enraged residents.

A row in Colney Road, Dartford, had canopies chopped back in recent weeks as part of planned works undertaken by Kent County Council and its contractors.

But today's trim, which uncovered a nest, has angered locals with one describing the latest pruning as "brutal" whilst another branded it "environmental vandalism" on social media.

Speaking to KentOnline, Cllr Laura Edie said she was walking back home this morning after dropping her daughter at school when she noticed the latest works.

"Someone was up a tree cutting back the branches and I could see a nest in there," she said.

"It is extremely concerning that the trees have been chopped back completely, leaving no areas for bids to nest."

The Green Party councillor says the canopies are important not just for aesthetic reason but in offering shade and absorbing harmful pollutants out the air.

She added: "There is so much greenery, as well as birds and squirrels. We have only got a few roads in Newtown that still have trees."

In recent days a notice has appeared informing residents of the latest works and a polite reminder to move their cars whilst the trimming takes place.

Cllr Edie has written to Kent County Council advising that they halt works immediately until the nesting is further investigated.

She hastened to add she was not against pruning but believes the latest changes are "very drastic", leaving behind little to no branches or foliage for birds during what Natural England advises is nesting season.

The Newtown resident added: "I'm not against the maintenance or the pollarding but not during nesting season unless there is an emergency.

"Protections are in place for a reason. I have told them it needs to be pushed back a few more months.

"It is just very drastic when you see the difference between the cut trees and the ones that are not done at the minute."

A Kent County Council spokesman said: “As part of all of our tree works we check prior to starting work to make sure that there is no wildlife or birds nests that will be affected.

“Our priority is always highway safety and we are currently reviewing the works to assess whether they can be delayed or minimised if nesting birds are present.”

The bird nesting season officially runs from February until August and it is recommended that vegetation works or site clearance be done outside of these months.

In reality the nesting period may start before this and extend beyond it.

The latest incident comes just days after rare orchids were found "strimmed to dust" nearby on site of a protected nature haven threatened by a major theme park development.