A HOTEL owner has hit out at a business for chopping down trees and hedges next to her property.

Maureen Partington is angry at Farnworth Thomasson and Co following the decision to landscape the front of its new office block.

The company is renovating the property next door to Mrs Partington's Melrose Hotel, on Chorley New Road.

Part of the renovation meant the felling of a large tree close to the front of the office and the removal of a number of shrubs on the hotel's land.

A rhododendron planted in memory of Mrs Partington's mother-in-law was also uprooted.

Mrs Partington slammed the firm for not discussing the plans with her.

She said: "The firm had no right to muscle their way in here and destroy part of the area."

Wiping away tears, the 53-year-old, who has owned the hotel for 16 years, said: "I take pride in the appearance of the hotel and these people have not had the common decency to discuss their plans with us.

"I tried to talk to the landscape gardener but he told me he had no time to speak.

"I'm truly devastated by this. This is my home and they've destroyed part of it.

"There was nothing wrong with the tree -- it was 200-years-old and healthy."

She said the tree had been home to birds and squirrels and expressed concern that guests to the 17-room hotel, who often enjoyed the privacy afforded by the tree, would be put off from using the garden.

Farnworth Thomasson and Co plans to plant smaller shrubs and relay the lawn, allowing the office block to be clearly seen from the road.

David Musgrove, director, said: "I didn't give it a thought to ask Mrs Partington because it is our land.

"Aesthetics were irrelevant in this decision. We took the action for safety and security reasons because the greenery was overgrown and overhanging the entrance to the office.

"It would have made it less safe for staff. Chorley New Road is well-known for burglaries and we are keen to enhance security.

"But, with hindsight, I am sorry that we did not speak to Mrs Partington and I do now intend to visit her personally.

"We just want to make the place safe and pleasant."