Sudden boulder removal leaves locals baffled

The boulders have been in place in Weston Coyney for at least 10 years, and locals say they were given no warning about their removal

People in part of Stoke-on-Trent have been left baffled with the sudden removal of boulders which have in place for at least 10 years.

Some of the large stones on the green area on Weston Heights estate, Weston Coyney, have broken apart and moved.

Residents say they were given no notice about the work, or why it needed to happen.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council said the decision was made following a revamp of the area, and the stones were also becoming focus points for anti-social behaviour.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has been breaking up some of the larger stones, which it said had become focus points for anti-social behaviour

"It’s odd that they are doing it now when they’ve been there for at least a decade," said Doris Hughes.

"I don’t really see the harm in them, they look nice. I always thought they were there to stop cars driving on and making a mess."

Mark Bailey, who has lived on the estate since it was built more than a decade ago, said he could not understand why the work was happening, there had been no warning, and money could be better spent.

'How much has it cost?'

"You would rather have a speed camera rather than spending three or four days moving these boulders, because that’s what they’ve done all week," he said.

"Just think about how much money it costs for two excavators, tractor - I’ve seen a van and at least seven workers for the last four days."

The city council said it had decided to remove some of the larger stones after a revamp of the area, and the boulders will be re-used elsewhere as needed.

"Aside from aesthetic reasons, they were also becoming a gathering point for anti-social behaviour," it stated.

"We want all of our parks to be a place for people to enjoy safely."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.