A woman has been left saddened after a small, wooded area in Oldham was flattened in order to make way for new houses.

Christine Bennett, 58, has lived on Acre Lane in Derker for nine years and had enjoyed the trees and bushes behind her back garden, which provided a nice view, a wildlife area and privacy.

However, two weeks ago, the trees and bushes were all chopped down and will be replaced by new housing. 

The Oldham Times: Christine's back garden before the trees were cut downChristine's back garden before the trees were cut down (Image: Christine Bennett)

Christine said she "could not believe it" when her family moved into the home on Acre Lane, saying the trees overlooking the garden were "beautiful" and that "it was that little haven in a built-up area".

However, the new view from Christine's back garden shows a car park, an industrial area and Derker tram stop.

The Oldham Times: Christine's back garden after the tree were cut downChristine's back garden after the tree were cut down (Image: Christine Bennett)

She said she believed the area behind her back garden was "great" for biodiversity in the area and that it offered herself and her family some privacy by blocking out much of the noise.

According to Christine, this has now changed, as she said she can hear arguments and other anti-social behaviour taking place at the tram stop.

When Oldham Council were contacted for a comment on the flattening of the area, Cllr Hannah Roberts, Cabinet nember for neighbourhoods, said: "As part of Hive Homes’ plans to build a mix of private and affordable zero and low-carbon homes on the site, the trees have been removed as part of early clearance works.

The Oldham Times: Christine says she is trying to be positive in a sad situationChristine says she is trying to be positive in a sad situation (Image: Christine Bennett)

"We have been working with the developer to build these much-needed homes for local people in Oldham – aimed at first-time buyers, growing families and single home-owners alike.  

"As part of the development, Hive Homes will ensure the equivalent number of replacement trees are planted elsewhere in the borough, in addition to those being re-planted within the development."

The Oldham Times: Christine and her family used to enjoy the sights, sounds and privacy of the treesChristine and her family used to enjoy the sights, sounds and privacy of the trees (Image: Christine Bennett)

Christine said she is now "trying to be positive in a sad situation" by trying to make her garden as wildlife-friendly as possible in the hope the biodiversity of the area is not too heavily affected.

She said: "I am now trying to build my own garden and make it more wildlife-friendly, put a few more laurel bushes and other things in there."