By Fiona Cooper

Two old beech trees, described as an 'iconic landmark', are facing the chop.

But plans to fell the trees in Chalkwell Road, Sittingbourne, are facing growing opposition.

More than 100 people have now signed a petition calling on Kent County Council (KCC) to re-think its proposal to axe the trees at the entrance to New House Youth and Sports Centre, in Chalkwell Road.

The council wants to enlarge the narrow driveway into the centre and says the trees, thought to be at least 80 years old, must come down.

Angela Maybourne, who has lived in Chalkwell Road for 10 years, is supporting the campaign to save the trees.

"It is cutting down part of Sittingbourne's history," she said. "There is so much of Sittingbourne's heritage and character that is being taken away and once these trees are gone, they are gone.

"It just seems anything of character, any greenery, just gets cut down these days.

"A lot of us here feel the same about this. To get a petition with more than 100 signatures in this age of apathy shows just how strongly people are feeling."

Mrs Maybourne said residents, already facing parking problems in Chalkwell Road, fear the alterations to the driveway will reduce the number of parking spaces each side of the club's entrance.

Fellow campaigner, Kenneth Millar, of Hythe Road, is appalled at the prospect of losing the two copper beeches.

"These trees are extremely valuable and rare in this area," he said. "They are a wonderful feature at a centre for young local people who, in this post-industrial deprived area, have no chance to see mature trees.

"They are home to nesting birds especially crows and to numerous small birds."

The petition, organised by Chalkwell Road resident Jan Stapley, has been given to Swale council's ward member for the area, Cllr Roger Truelove.

The application is likely to be decided by KCC next month.