Business owners, who run canoe trips on the River Wye, were shocked last week to discover that several large poplar trees had been removed from the river bank.

Earlier this month the owners contacted the Gazette complaining of the timing of work on the canoe launches along the river. August is the height of the season and their busiest time.

Following their protests to the Environment Agency, which is carrying out the work, alongside the Wye Valley AONB and Herefordshire Council, arrangements were made to use different sites and to install temporary steps.

However those who use the Ross canoe launch were shocked to discover that several large trees had been removed last Tuesday.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency told the Ross Gazette:?"We are carrying out essential works on canoe access points at Kerne Bridge and Ross on the River Wye as they are in need of upgrading.

"Some trees have been removed to allow temporary access to the site and hard pruning on some willow trees around the site will be carried out as well as this is beneficial for the trees.

"The Environment Agency consulted Natural England before the removal of any trees and they are fully aware of what we are doing."

The spokesman explained that the work has to be carried out when river levels are low and when there are no nesting birds to cause minimal disturbance to wildlife.

He added:?"We have been communicating with canoe clubs for the last year about the project. Although the work is scheduled to take six weeks, we hope to complete it much sooner.

"We apologise for any inconvenience during this time."