Eight unhealthy Ash trees on the East Street green opposite Farmers will be carefully removed by contractors on Thursday 21 July.

The trees to be removed are between the footpath and the paved shared path for pedestrians and cyclists. A line of older Ash trees on the western side of the shared path will remain.

Community Services Group Manager Steve Fabish said the trees had been a lovely feature of the green for years, but had been deteriorating.

“Our specialist tree staff have nurtured them for as long as we can but the trees look noticeably poorly and it’s time for them to go. They’ve had a long life and been enjoyed by visitors and locals alike, either walking along the green or seeking shade while having lunch.

“We will replace them with a species of Oak trees called Quercus ellipsoidalis.”

Contractors are aiming to remove the trees in a day, and will be managing traffic on East Street while work is in progress. Parking along the western side of East Street in the area will also be affected.

The felled trees will be taken away for disposal.