Tree Haircuts

We were over in Chesterfield to support our son, by picking up their children from school and nursery. Along the way we took Bramble for a walk and what a glorious blue sky. 

These trees are given an annual haircut as their side shoots pose a H&S issue for pedestrians and cars. They have also been chopped off at the top which strikes me as excessive. Perhaps the local council has a decent tree pruning budget, and needs to find work?