Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has written to the leader of Wandsworth Council urging to halt the axing of trees in Chestnut Avenue.

Last month, residents interested in the situation regarding the 150-year-old horse chestnut trees received a letter which outlined an order that came into effect on September 12 and remain in force for the next six months, until March, while arboricultural works are carried out.

Sent by Paul Chadwick, director of environmental and community services at Richmond Council who also works with Wandsworth, outlined that the plans would involve replacing 51 trees and re-planting 64 new ones.

Now, the Mayor has sent a letter to council leader Ravi Govindia after receiving correspondence from concerned residents.

The letter, seen by Wandsworth Guardian, read: “Mature trees, such as those on Chestnut Avenue on Tooting Common, provide a range of valuable local benefits including supporting biodiversity, and shading those walking and cycling on the Common.

“As London’s summers get hotter with the impact of climate change, these amenities are set to grow. London’s trees can also play an important role in cleaning up London’s trees can also play an important role in cleaning up London’s polluted air.

“It is clear that from the correspondence I have received from the local users of the Common, that they place a significant value on these beautiful mature trees”.

Mr Khan said that, while he understood the council has commissioned investigations into options for Chestnut Avenue, which has included a public consultation, he is aware that recommendations in more recent independent reports “call in to question” the original recommendation which was made to remove all trees immediately.

“Specifically, suggesting that not all trees may not be removed at once,” he added.

The letter continued: “In light of this conflicting evidence and the considerable concerns raised by local residents, I would urge you to halt the felling of trees on Chestnut Avenue, and urgently review the research which has been produced.

“Whilst in a period when council budgets are restricted, it is critical that public fundings, and funds provided by others, are used prudently, and such investment decisions must reflect the views of local residents.

“I would also urge that any review of evidence considers the full value of these trees, and importantly, whether a phased approach to the removal fo some trees would ensure that the existing, healthy and mature Horse Chestnut trees are retained, while of course addressing any health and safety concerns.

“Such an approach should secure a future for this important landscape feature on the Common for future generations whilst addressing the concerns of many of the current users of the Common.”

Councillor Jonathan Cook, cabinet member for environment services, said: "As a resident of Tooting, the Mayor would have been well aware of this issue more than a year ago.

"Hundreds of his neighbours managed to take part in the consultation and their overwhelming verdict was to replace these declining trees before they fall down by planting a greater number of semi-mature trees to line the avenue for the next 200 years.

“We will  carry on planning for the long term and doing everything we can to keeping Tooting Common safe to visit and looking majestic in the years and decades to come."