The Department of Parks has defended its cutting down of nearly two dozen trees along a stretch in Middle Road, Southampton.

Martin Brown, senior superintendent at the Parks Department, said that he is apologetic to a point about the "park improvements", pointing out that if there were any issues with the taking down of trees, concerned residents should have contacted his department.

And he said that new trees would be planted in the next two weeks.

On Monday TheRoyal Gazette reported that chopping down of nearly two dozen trees along the railway trail stretch from Green's Guest House to Whale Bay had distressed some residents and walkers in the area.

They also complained that there was no notification by the Parks Department, saying it was going to happen.

Mr. Brown said plans to cut the Pride of India trees had been planned for some time and he noted the trees posed a safety risk to motorists and pedestrians.

"We didn't just chop the trees down," Mr. Brown said. "We have been doing park improvements. Those trees have been scheduled to come down for some time. Over a period of time they have over-matured and have been badly pruned in the past. The trees have shed limbs and not in very high winds."

Mr. Brown said residents need not fear about the loss of the trees, assuring that there will be 24 new trees planted, ranging from Cedars, to Poincianas, to Jacarandas and Mahogany trees.

However, he did ask for locals to be patient with the process, as it will take Park workers two weeks to begin replanting the new trees.

"Our boys do a sterling job," he said. "We're trying to do the best we can."