Up to 48 trees could face the axe at Never Never Land if councillors give approval at a meeting tonight.

An application has been submitted to Southend Council to chop down 48 trees and carry out work on 15 others in the conservation area by Southend seafront.

Holly trees on part of the site have restricted views, and attracted vandals, alcohol abuse and drug users.

Displays in the theme park have been broken and bottles and cans are frequently dumped there.

None of the trees are currently under tree preservation orders but council officers believe some of them should be. Never Never Land, historically known as the Shrubbery, lies within Clifftown conservation area and dates back to Georgian times.

It contains a wide variety of trees and shrubs which provide a dense coverage.

Mike Dolby, the operator of Never Never Land, reported starlings were causing a health risk because of the mess they leave on the trees.

There is also a problem of the dense evergreen trees blocking light and some of the trees obscuring the sea view.

The canopy created by the trees has caused bare earth underneath where no other plants can grow. The soil beneath is also dying and tree roots are now showing.

Council officers have recommended that several tree preservation orders are served.

Other trees will be allowed to be chopped down if councillors agree to it at tonight's development control meeting.

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