It is understood that a Valletta resident complained that the trees were obstructing the view from the houses there.

The local council commissioned a contractor to carry out a pruning exercise.

The operation began at around 5am.

After a 70-foot tree was reduced to just five feet – the height of a recently-planted tree – a resident courageously phoned Dr Gonzi at home at 7am. Since he was still getting prepared for a long days’ work, Mrs Gonzi told the resident that they would have to be called back.

A few minutes later the Prime Minister returned the call and the resident explained the situation.

Some time later, the workers were seen leaving and no more trees were pruned.