SOUTH Hams Council has been accused of vandalising trees and plants in Coronation Park, Dartmouth.

Shrubs and even palm trees have been destroyed as the council ‘improves’ the boat park on the riverfront.

Town councillor Tessa de Galleani, the council’s Dartmouth Green Partnerships representative, said: ‘They have massacred trees and shrubs that have taken years to grow.’

She said there had been no consultation over the work, which she believed contravened the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act, which protected nesting birds.

A South Hams District Council spokesman said: ‘We are currently delivering much-needed improvements to the dinghy parking area within Coronation Park. 'As part of the works, we are removing over mature shrubs and Torbay palms to allow new planting at this gateway location. 'The council has offered to work with Dartmouth Green Partnerships to ensure a great scheme can be planted to screen the dinghies while benefiting the views of park users and those passing on their way into the town.‘This project has been in discussions for a number of years and follows extensive consultations with Dartmouth Town Council and local interested groups. 'South Hams District Council is pleased to finally making these much needed improvements to Coronation Park for the benefit of the local community and all those who visit the town throughout the year.’