COUNCIL contractors who accidentally chopped down 1,000 trees are promising to replace them ahead of a meeting with the volunteers who planted them.

Seaford Tree Wardens arranged for the new trees to be planted at Chalvington Field in the town late last year.

The group of town council-appointed volunteers, along with enthusiastic locals, planted the saplings with the long-term view of being able to let their grandchildren admire them in years to come.

But contractors of Lewes District Council chopped them all down last week while cutting grass, much to the despair and shock of the community.

Margery Diamand of Seaford Tree Wardens said she had been in contact with Burleys, the contractor responsible for the felling, which has expressed its regret over the matter and offered to meet with the group to "go the extra mile" in making things good.

On the initial discovery, she told The Argus: "I felt disbelief. I went up to have a look and I couldn't believe that somebody had done it.

"I still can't quite explain it - it was really really upsetting.

"It had been such a wonderful experience bringing different people in the community together.

"To give Burley's their due, they have apologised profusely and have agreed to replant the trees as soon as possible.

She added: "We need to know why this has happened. Clearly something went wrong."

Burley's has taken full responsibility for the "reduction and clearance of vegetation including saplings at this site".

A spokesman said an internal investigation is underway to work out what happened and that they will replace the destroyed trees.

He said Burley's extended its sincere apologies over the matter.

A Lewes District Council spokeswoman said: “We sincerely apologise for the cutting down of young trees planted at Chalvington Fields in Seaford by the community – this was a mistake.

"We will work with our contractors to get these trees replanted as quickly as possible to ensure that the situation is put right.

"We will work with Burley’s management team to look into the matter, liaising with local groups, to ensure this does not happen again."