Residents in Carpenders Park have been left angry and looking for answers after scores of trees were chopped down near a railway line over the weekend.

Some homeowners on St George’s Drive received letters on Friday evening telling them to remove any items from Sandpit Wood within seven days or face court action.

Then on Saturday workmen moved in on the thicket, felling scores of trees.

One resident, Melanie de Miguel, said she felt “utter shock horror” at the sudden loss of the trees that have been a fixture of the area for as long as people can remember.

The 52-year-old part time science teacher said: “The trees were beloved, dearly, dearly loved and full of wildlife.

“It’s horrifying, these trees prevented a wonderful sound barrier for the residents from the railway.”

Ms de Miguel said that the timing of the chopping of the trees, over the weekend, meant residents had no time to raise objections with the Three Rivers District Council.

The council said it was currently looking into the matter.

Prior to the felling of the trees, Ms de Miguel received a letter from Archer Rusby Solicitors on Friday that stated it was working on behalf of two clients Clovercourt Property Company Ltd and Masma Ltd.

The letter said it was a formal request for her to remove any items on from the property of the two companies.

According to their websites both companies are property developers based in Rickmansworth and Chorleywood.

The Watford Observer has contacted both Clovercourt and Masma for comment.