CANNINGTON residents are fighting a decision to cut down oak trees on the A39 in order construct a cycle track for Hinkley workers.

Keith and Joyce Sims said they only found out about the matter after reading the minutes of Cannington Parish Council and in a letter to Somerset County Council described the action as 'totally unnecessary'.

"We believe this constitutes the wanton destruction of our natural habitat," Mr Sims said.

"We would like to point out that these trees have been growing here since long before nuclear power was even dreamt of, and if left undisturbed would certainly be growing long after the power station will cease operation."

Mr Sims said that the cycle tracks which have already been constructed at North Petherton and Combwich for Hinkley workers are under-used.

"We would like to see the cycle path/footpath narrowed along the A39 Cannington Straight, so that the trees can remain," he added.

"Hopefully there is still time to reverse this senseless decision."

In a response to the letter signed by Mr and Mrs Sims, as well as fellow Cannington residents David Langley, and Lee and Gemma Brewer, Somerset County Council said the scheme was part of Hinkley section 106 to mitigate the effect of the increased traffic on vulnerable road users.

"There are several reasons why the cycle path cannot be narrowed as the existing carriageway at the location is 6.8 metres wide.

"The scheme has been fully designed and meets our Road Safety Audit process criteria.

"In order to replace the trees which will be removed, 45 new oak trees and a new hedge are being planted between the two roundabouts.

"The purpose of this scheme is to provide a safe off-road route for cyclists and pedestrians to mitigate the extra traffic that will be created by the construction of Hinkley C."