The systematic destruction of ancient oak trees by Genesis Housing Association has outraged a Colindale woman.

As part of the Grahame Park redevelopment scheme, Genesis has spent the past few days removing trees from Grahame Park Way.

Sandhya Rahi, a freelance film-maker from nearby Beaufort Park, is distraught by the loss of these ancient landmarks.

She said: “The old trees were the only redeeming feature of this area.

“I think it is quite horrific that they cannot work around them.

“One of the reasons I moved to this flat was because of the greenery and now it has all been removed.”

Ms Rahi said Grahame Park Way is a busy road and that the trees played a vital role in improving air quality in the area, as well as providing a habitat for wildlife.

She said: “I am not sure why they felt it necessary to chop down so many trees.

“If they are redeveloping the estate surely the trees would have been an asset.”

Ms Rahi believes that if residents had been made properly aware of the tree felling plans they would have objected.

Genesis said that the felling along Grahame Park Way was always intended as part of the regeneration programme, and that this was set out in the planning approval.

The housing association said that the trees need to be removed to allow for major infrastructure work such as new sewers, gas, and water pipes which are, in turn, needed for the new houses.

Genesis Housing Association says that it will replace all of the trees that are removed.