Residents have spoken of their sadness after a number of prominent trees were cut down at a historical site in Chesterfield.

Six prominent horse chestnut trees were felled at Coronation Garden on Chatsworth Road on Sunday, May 10.

Chesterfield Borough Council has confirmed that the trees were affected by Bleeding Canker – a “serious and untreatable” disease.

The site, located near the planned new Starbucks drive-through development on the land between Chatsworth Road and Mill Lane, has held a special place in the hearts of Chesterfield residents for generations.

Six prominent horse chestnut trees were fallen at Coronation Garden on Chatsworth Road on Sunday, May 10.

placeholder image — Six prominent horse chestnut trees were fallen at Coronation Garden on Chatsworth Road on Sunday, May 10.

The first mentions of the garden appear to date back to before World War Two when the site was used by Robinson’s staff to relax during their breaks and after work.

After the war, the green space was named the Memorial Gardens to commemorate people who lost their lives fighting for better future for generations to come.

In 1952, the area was reopened and dedicated as the Coronation Gardens to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

The tree felling at the site has upset some local residents

Chesterfield Borough Council has confirmed that the trees were affected by Bleeding Canker – a “serious and untreatable” disease.

Barbara Morgan, a local resident who regularly visited Coronation Gardens, said: “I am devastated. I just can't believe they did it.

“A site of historical importance has been eradicated of the face off Earth.

"It’s quite upsetting, because it was a memorial plot. We had the V Day on Friday, 8th of May, and then they chopped the trees down on the Sunday.

"I find the timing quite insensitive and insulting to the people who died in the war.

The first mentions of the garden appear to date back to before World War Two when the site was used by Robinson’s staff to relax during their breaks and after work.

Miss Morgan added: “I find it hard to believe all six trees were diseased and even if they were, why won’t they plant new trees in their place?”

Chesterfield Borough Council said that the decision to fell the trees was made based on a detailed tree survey.

The authority further promised to ensure that the gardens “continue to be an important and valued green space for the community”.

Councillor Martin Stone, cabinet member for Climate Change, Planning, and the Environment said: “Following a detailed tree survey submitted with the planning application for the redevelopment of Coronation Gardens, it was confirmed that all six horse chestnut trees were suffering from Bleeding Canker - a serious and untreatable disease that affects the structural stability of the trees.

After the war, the green space was named the Memorial Gardens and in 1952, the area was reopened and dedicated as the Coronation Gardens to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

"On this basis, the appropriate permissions were granted for their removal on safety grounds.

“We recognise the historical and emotional significance of Coronation Gardens to local people, and we understand why the loss of the trees has caused concern.

"As part of the approved development, replacement landscaping will be secured to ensure the gardens continue to be an important and valued green space for the community.”

The council was not able to provide any further details regarding the proposed replacement landscaping at this time.