Residents and activists who successfully opposed plans to remove the trees at Senglea Waterfront have expressed disappointment over damage caused by trenching works.

The works were so close to the trees that their roots were exposed to sea water, sliced through and covered in cement.

The NGO Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar wondered if the trees would be able to withstand next winter’s gales.

The Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation said the damage could not be  avoided because the trenching works had to be carried out according to strict road and pavement levels.

A GHRC horticultural expert acknowledged the stress to the trees but said ficus nitida and the tamarix were “very tough species”. He said the trees were planted on reclaimed land and had their roots in saline water for 60 years.