A ROW has erupted in a New Forest village after school governors had a pair of century-old yew trees felled.

The two yews at Hyde Church of England Primary School made way for an outdoor learning area.

Hyde councillor Bill Dow was livid with the way chainsaws were taken to the trees two days before New Forest District Council was due to impose a tree preservation order.

"I feel very badly let down, said Cllr Dow.

"The trees would probably have had to come down in any case, but they've been taken down while discussions were going on."

Resident Mike Parslow added: "The trees had tremendous historic importance. The way the school has removed them is disgraceful."

The governors decided in February the trees would have to go, but decided to gauge local reaction first.

There was some opposition so New Forest District Council arboriculturalist Brian Wilson decided to put a preservation order on the trees as a temporary measure.

However, just two days before it was due to be served, there were angry scenes as Cllr Dow and parish council clerk Margaret Matthews tried to stop governors and contractors.

Mrs Matthews said: "I don't wish to make any comment about it. As far as the parish council is concerned it has been dealt with."

Governors' chairman Anne Edwards, provided a written statement which said: "Following discussions with New Forest District Council it was agreed that the trees would not be removed until the villagers had been consulted.

"The school put its case to the annual parish meeting on May 27 and were delighted to receive overwhelming support from the residents of the parish.

"The trees were felled and we hope to have the area in use by the children shortly."

It is not the first time the felling of yew trees has caused uproar in Hampshire.

Villagers in Fair Oak were outraged when church bosses cut down a 142-year-old yew in the grounds of St Thomas's Church.

Diocesan chiefs rebuked the vicar, the Rev David Snuggs, for not asking their permission first and ordered him to make amends by planting new saplings in the churchyard.