AN ABERAERON nature-lover has accused Western Power of committing “an environmental atrocity” after tree surgeons cleared an ancient copse of woodland near the town’s power substation.

Blair Browne claims an oak possibly hundreds of years old was among trees “massacred” in an area boasting an abundance of wildlife, including the rarest butterfly in Ceredigion.

“In my opinion, every decision-maker who played a part in this abhorrent destruction should be punished to the highest extremes of the law,” he told the Cambrian News.

“At the very least they should be sacked, and legally banned from any work which could possibly put the welfare of the environment in their hands.”

Mr Browne, 51, of Lampeter Road, said he was shocked by the extent of the operation a couple of hundred yards from his home.

“Western Power’s excuse for this grand massacre is that a large tree fell across a 33,000 volt line causing a power cut,” he said.

“Some pre-dated any person alive today, they pre-dated the sub-station, and they pre-dated Aberaeron. This alone should have afforded them a hint of respect.”

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