Town centre trees will be felled

The wood will be turned into chippings and recycled into electricity

Four large trees growing in the centre of Cirencester are to be felled after council tree experts labelled them a risk to public safety.

The Catalpa trees in Dyer Street have developed potentially unstable branches, some of which have already fallen into the open cafe area beneath.

The decision to fell the trees was also influenced by the high ongoing costs of pruning them.

The trees are to be cut down by workers in the Gloucestershire town on Sunday.

"Our tree officers have made a comprehensive assessment of the site and made the tough decision that they do need to be removed," said Councillor John Birch of Cotswold District Council.

"It's always very sad and unfortunate when trees have to be felled, but public safety must come first."

The Catalpas, which were first planted in the early 1960s, will be left as stumps while the future options for the site are considered, which could include replacement trees.

The wood will be turned into chippings that will be recycled into electricity.