A local environmental organisation has expressed alarm after trees that were cut down more than six weeks ago remain scattered across a well-used public path in Keighley.
The trees, comprising alder, elm, and sycamore species, were removed along North Beck but have not been cleared from Beck Side, a frequently travelled riverside route in the town centre.
The obstruction has prompted strong criticism from River Worth Friends, a volunteer body that routinely conducts conservation and clean-up activities throughout the area.
The Environment Agency has stated that the fallen timber bears no connection to any projects currently being undertaken by the agency.
An investigation into the matter is under way.
Sue Patchett, a trustee with River Worth Friends, expressed frustration at the situation.
She noted that upon learning of the tree removal and witnessing the damage personally, she felt considerable anger that such an action had been carried out.
The manner in which the work was completed demonstrates a severe absence of proper care or professional expertise, according to Ms Patchett.
She observed that even individuals without specialist knowledge of arboriculture could recognise that the outcome falls well below acceptable standards.
The volunteer group has reported that the debris not only presents an unsightly appearance but is also complicating their regular maintenance activities.
Typically, volunteers gain access to the river close to the tree locations and progress downstream along the waterway.
This approach had previously represented the safest and most practical method of operation.
The current obstruction forces workers to enter and exit the river channel at three distinct locations, requiring repeated climbs up and down a stone wall and significantly increasing the difficulty of their tasks.
The ecological significance of the removed trees was also highlighted.
Established riverside vegetation serves important environmental functions, and its removal without apparent consideration for consequences represents a considerable loss to the local ecosystem.
The prolonged presence of the timber across the beck for more than six weeks has been condemned as wholly unacceptable.
The obstruction constitutes both a visual eyesore and an impediment to public access in a central urban location.
One of the fallen trees partially obstructs passage along Beck Side and establishes a barrier that critics suggest may exacerbate existing concerns regarding inappropriate activity in the vicinity.
While the area has historically attracted problematic behaviour unrelated to the current incident, the additional concealment created by the timber cannot reasonably be expected to improve matters.
The conservation group is calling for immediate removal of the trees from the watercourse and proper resolution of the blockage affecting the public path.
Appropriate disposal of the harvested timber, in accordance with relevant guidance and best practice, should also be undertaken.
Concerns have further been raised regarding the remaining stumps, several of which stand at approximately waist height and are already displaying new growth.
These remnants contribute to the degraded appearance of the site and warrant appropriate treatment as part of any comprehensive restoration effort.
The organisation is advocating for those responsible for the tree felling to be identified, with appropriate action taken should the work prove to have been carried out without proper authorisation.
River Worth Friends intends to persist with its campaign for the clearance of the timber.
The continued presence of the obstruction more than six weeks after the initial removal represents a failure to address a straightforward maintenance issue that ought to have been resolved promptly.
The Environment Agency has confirmed that the fallen trees are unconnected to its operations.
Officials visited the location and are working to establish who authorised and carried out the removal work.