More than 1,500 people have signed a petition opposing the removal of nine trees on Main Street in Groomsport, County Down. The Department for Infrastructure says the trees' roots are causing significant damage to the pavement and could pose a risk to pedestrians.

The department has commissioned an independent arboricultural and engineering assessment to examine options before any final decision is made. Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins confirmed no final decision has been taken. She said a range of options are under consideration, including engineering solutions, ongoing maintenance, and possible removal of some trees with replacement planting of more suitable species.

The petition, submitted to the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, calls for alternative measures that would address pavement damage while keeping the trees. The department said it will engage with Ards and North Down Council and other stakeholders before progressing any substantive works. The views expressed in the petition will be considered alongside the independent assessment.

North Down MLA Alan Chambers criticised the department's response to the petition, describing it as lacking and saying it failed to appreciate how important the issue is to local people. He noted that more than 1,500 residents made their feelings known, and the minister only addressed that concern with a single line near the end of her letter. He said he will continue to lobby to ensure the concerns of an affected homeowner and the feelings of residents are properly addressed.