Trees get chop in anti-terror move

TREES are being cut down at the United Utilities site in Swift Road

PENSIONER Ethel Murphy is shocked that trees near her house have been axed as an anti-terror measure.

She is upset that they have been felled as part of work by United Utilities to beef up security at its service reservoirs in Swift Road, Sholver.

The company said it did not comment on its security measures, believed to include fencing and CCTV.

But First Choice Homes Oldham, which manages the borough’s council houses, confirmed it has been told the work was part of anti-terrorism measures.

Mrs Murphy (72) said the trees were a wildlife haven, adding: “I am really upset. The abundance of wildlife in those trees was wonderful. We had an owl that came every night.”