Plymouth City Council left a row of stumps along the famous Hoe because council officials were “regularly having to clean up sex and drug paraphernalia” in the area.

“We have been keen to clean up this space on the Hoe to make it more welcoming and safe for both residents and visitors,” a spokesperson told the Plymouth News.

Locals were, however, less than impressed, with one telling the paper that the palms were “stunning” and anti-social behaviour would just move.

The resident said: “Those causing the problems will simply move elsewhere. The problem needs to be addressed at root cause level, not moved on.”

The council has apologised for a lack of community engagement before the decision.