Neighbours were left “devastated” after four treasured oak trees were chopped down near their homes in the space of a month.

Bronwen Jones, of Rickmansworth Road, Pinner Green, was dismayed to discover the fourth tree being felled by council workers this morning.

The 59-year-old fears the vegetation in Harrow is “rapidly disappearing” after three were also cut earlier in July due to being in a “bad condition”.

Ms Jones believes the trees, which can live for hundreds of years and often grow up to 11 metres, are vital for the borough as they provide cleaner air.

She said: “People are devastated at the repeated felling of these proud trees and we do not think they are unhealthy.

“They are cutting them at the stump and it seems unlikely they will be able to re-grow, which is really sad to see. My children have grown up with these trees by our home.

“We need trees and green spaces in Harrow as they provide cleaner air in an area where there is so much pollution. People need to appreciate the greenery of the outdoors before it is all destroyed.”

Janice Hoare, who also lives along Rickmansworth Road, was concerned to see the thick branches of the trees being shredded by the workers earlier in the day.

She said: “It’s the fourth beautiful British tree they’ve cut in the past few weeks.

“The trees seem healthy but they just don’t care.”

Masooma Sarwar, a spokesperson for Harrow Council, said: “The trees are being cut down because they are in a bad condition.

“We will be planting replacement trees later in the year.”