Barnet Council has an excellent record on tree management and has the highest number of street trees of any London borough therefore I was astounded to read your article Hundreds of trees cut down in environmental crime' (Times Series, April 24).

Many of the felled trees overhung the North Circular Road, and the decision was taken to remove this danger from the travelling public.

To knowingly leave these trees in place would have amounted to gross negligence on Barnet Council's part.

A new management plan for the Glebeland Nature Reserve is under review and will start in 2009. Working in conjunction with the volunteer groups who undertake conservation work at the site this plan will identify the management requirements to further encourage wildlife and develop biodiversity.

Councillor Matthew Offord, Cabinet member for environment and transport