Tree removals are intended to occur during the next two weeks in preparation for works to start on the town hall site.

Mayor Bill Taylor said the removal of trees had been approved under the current DA to prepare the town hall for redevelopment.

“At this stage we are unable to say exactly how many trees will be removed as they are tied into accessing underground water services that may or may not be in the vicinity of the tree’s root systems," Cr Taylor said.

“What this boils down to is we will only remove trees if it is absolutely necessary.

“The trees in question are those native and European specimens growing in and around the town hall site.

“I will stress that this does not include the large eucalypt standing in the Littleton Gardens car park.

“It’s also important to note that any tree removed as part of the town hall works will be replaced in due course with an appropriate species selected as part of the overall master plan for Littleton Gardens and the Bega Civic Centre.

“We ask the community to understand that this is an operational matter not open for public consultation. 

"We do, however, believe that the community has a right to know in advance of the works being carried out.

“At this stage we are unable to set a specific date because works will be carried out by local contractors who are bound by the weather and other commitments. 

"Works are scheduled, however, to commence within a two week time frame from now,” Cr Taylor said.