The MP for Telford has spoken of his shock at the ‘scale of destruction’ after bulldozers moved in on Dawley’s Paddock Mount to prepare the way for a new school.
Trees are being cleared and the land is being prepared ready for the new Phoenix School.
MP David Wright said: “What has happened on Paddock Mount is quite shocking really.
“Everybody expected some land development but the scale of destruction has been quite shocking.
“I think the council needs to pause now and think about how it is going to deal with the environment up there and talk again to the community.”
But Councillor Eric Carter said full environmental checks had been carried out before work started and the public had been consulted.
He said there are also plans to plant thousands of new trees as well as create an ecological park and nature park for wildlife.
He said: “I have to ask does the MP for Telford want to say that we should not build a new Phoenix School and regenerate the centre of Dawley?
“The work we are doing will help the council prepare the land for future redevelopment of Dawley to sustain its economic well-being in the future.
“We have always been upfront about that and the fact that any development to come forward would involve tree clearance.”
Councillor Carter said the council has cleared less than half the amount of trees they have been licenced for.
But some Dawley residents say they miss the trees.
A resident from Web Crescent, who did not want to be named, said: “I am sad the trees have gone. I used to look at the trees and the wildlife there. There were buzzards and birds there. It is a shame the trees have gone.”
Neil Poole, of Dawley, said: “I think it’s a good thing building the new Phoenix.
“We need a new school and a brand new school will bring better education and new teachers.
“It is a shame about the wildlife but times are changing.”
Councillor Carter added:“Since the works have been under way we have had positive feedback from residents on the edge of Paddock Mount who are pleased at the works because their houses are getting more light.”
Residents and community groups have been allowed to take logs from the site.