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.