Trees in Goring have been protected by preservation orders but there is concern among residents about damage to property.

Worthing Borough Council said the order should be made on 25 trees including a Norway maple, silver birch, horse chestnut, pine, purple-leaved plumb and hawthorn at Chatsmore Crescent, consisting of 12 two-storey blocks of flats on the east side of Goring Street.

Letters of objection were received from the occupiers of flats 18, 28, 29, 37 and 40.

The owner of number 18 questioned whether a weeping silver birch and flower crab were worthy of preservation as they were small common trees.

There was concern that a 40ft purple Norway maple close to 27 and 28 Chatsmore Crescent could damage the foundations, footpath and water pipes.

Objectors said consideration should be given to chopping it down before it was blown down by the wind and serious damage occurred.

The owner of number 29 feared eight very tall trees near his property robbed adjoining properties of light, adversely affected television reception and were very undistinguished.

He added: "Leaving these trees to develop freely would be potentially hazardous to life and property."

The owner of number 40 feared silver birch was already unstable and could grow to 60ft, blocking light to his balcony.