A CHURCH has come under fire after residents alleged it employed contractors who hacked down trees containing bird nests.

Wildlife enthusiasts said they were forced to call police to stop the destruction of sparrow nests with young in, in the grounds of The Very Holy Trinity Church, in Wickhay, Basildon.

However, the Catholic church said the nests found were all empty.

The church insisted the work was vital to stop vandals using undergrowth to hide in.

Monique Barbier, of Wickhay, said she intervened when she saw contractors clearing bushes and saplings containing sparrow nests.

She said: “I couldn’t believe it when I saw it – it’s disgraceful that a church would employ a contractor with such appalling working practices.

“It’s an act of gross vandalism. They haven’t cut those bushes for 20 years. Why couldn’t they wait for another two months when the birds have flown?”

Mrs Barbier claimed at least four nests were pulled down by the contractors.

The police were called, at which point the work stopped.

Following a site visit from the tree inspector from Basildon Council, work was allowed to continue, although the saplings were left.

Mary Huntingdon, spokeswoman for the Diocese of Brentwood, said the trees and bushes were being cleared as yobs were using them as cover.

She said: “Vandals and others were avoiding CCTV cameras by concealing themselves in the bushes – and it was decided to reclaim the area. The church hired a professional and reputable firm to carry out the work.”

It is illegal to cut down trees or bushes if they are known to contain active nests.

The RSPB advises it is safer to do gardening and landscaping outside the late spring and summer months when nests may be in use.