Police say no nesting birds have been disturbed at Bluewater after tree felling concerns were raised by campaigners and local residents.

Officers were called to the shopping centre in Greenhithe yesterday following reports trees were being felled in Cliff Reach.

The chalk cliffs surrounding the mall complex are known to provide shelter to 900 different species including nesting peregrine falcons.

Visitors contacted police, local councillors and the Kent Wildlife Trust after reporting potentially disruptive activity.

Officers attended and spoke with contractors working on site and say they were assured no harm was caused.

James Walker, Kent Police spokesman, said: "At 4.54pm yesterday, Kent Police received concerns about trees being felled in Cliff Reach, Greenhithe.

"Officers have reviewed the circumstances, and spoken with the contractor, and are satisfied that no nesting birds are being disturbed."

A spokesman for Bluewater said: “The management of our parklands is carried out by external professionals year-round here at Bluewater and includes standard procedures such as crown-thinning, pruning and pollarding to promote healthy growth across a range of tree species.

"Everything we do is overseen by consultant ecologists to ensure our wildlife remains happy and unharmed in its natural habitat.”

Work is currently underway to construct England's longest and fastest zip wire atop a 40-metre chalk cliff which is due to open in May.

Earlier this week residents and campaigners raised worries relating to new Aqua water park proposals at the shopping centre.

A planning application was launched for a seasonal inflatable obstacle course to be built on the main lake but locals fought against the plans and it was later scrapped.

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