Recently the Liberal Democrats successfully called on South Northamptonshire Council (SNC) to withdraw their application to cut down trees on the water meadows. However, work is underway to fell trees on the former council offices site at Springfields. The offices with ample car parking were completed in 1983, with several additions built some years later. The site is being redeveloped for over 80 houses but only a few will be affordable homes. There will be no children’s play area or public open space.

Although several trees had preservation orders, all trees on the site except two are being cut down. Following requests from Liberal Democrat councillors, SNC agreed last year to move a commemorative oak tree to another location.

Commenting, Councillor Martin Johns says: “It’s well known that Liberal Democrats strongly supported keeping the award winning Springfields council offices. Our view was shared with the vast majority of Towcester residents. Unfortunately, Tory controlled SNC went ahead with the move anyway. Although many Conservative councillors openly expressed having doubts about the controversial decision. Towcester’s two Conservative councillors always supported knocking down the Springfields offices and moving to Moat Lane.”

Councillor Chris Lofts says: “People in Towcester regret the expensive office move to Moat Lane. The loss of the landscaped green entrance to this part of town, including the loss of the trees, now coming into blossom, is a great shame.”