Locals left fuming as council commences removal of 26 trees at Hilton Park

Key points

• Tree removal has begun at Hilton Park in Fremantle, despite a long campaign by residents opposed to the plan. Work started on Tuesday, with 26 trees to be removed, including historic Norfolk pines.
• Residents gathered in protest and described the loss as the most significant to the area's tree canopy in 70 years. Former council candidate Mark Woodcock and a Stirling councillor, Lisa Thornton, criticised the decision.
• The council has promised to plant at least 61 native trees to replace the lost canopy.