A SUPERMARKET chain has apologised for chopping down trees at a proposed Southampton development "in error".

It comes just weeks after campaigners fought to save an historic yew tree just feet from Lidl's proposed new Shirley development.

As reported hundreds of people signed a petition to save the yew tree outside the former police station.

Now Lidl has apologised for chopping down two protected trees inside the demolition site - while Southampton City Council says it is investigating the matter.

Campaigner Steven Galton said he is "extremely disappointed".

He added: "An apology is welcomed, but I still would like to see a further gesture to the community to really help put this right.

"I have continually raised concerns over the demolition works to Lidl and the council. The fact these trees have been felled, despite the contractor's terms and conditions saying they should be protected, is further justification for why residents have been so worried."

The trees had a preservation order on them, but despite this they were removed.

While Lidl owns the land, it has not yet got permission to build a supermarket, with plans thrown out by the council.

Now the chain will have to replace the trees under orders from Southampton City Council.

A spokesperson for Lidl said the company "shares the community's frustration and disappointment following the felling of two trees on our site".

They added: "We are in close communication with the council on this, and whilst they have expressed their support for the removal of the trees in favour of the landscaping plans in our proposal, we fully recognise that this was subject to planning approval.

"This is why we made specific provision for the retention of these trees within the appointed contractor’s terms and conditions. "We therefore apologise unreservedly for this error, which we are investigating and addressing.

"Within our new planning application, which has now been submitted, further positive changes have been incorporated into our proposals, including significant landscaping and tree planting, comprising of over 25 new trees and 3,000 shrubs."

A spokesperson for Southampton City Council said: "We’re still in the process of investigating this, so we aren’t in a position to comment on this yet."