Tree work plan to brighten square

Georgian buildings surround the gardens at Winckley Square

Tree pruning in a conservation area in Lancashire looks set to brighten office workers' days.

A beech tree in the Georgian Winckley Square in Preston has grown so much it is touching the offices of Napthens Solicitors across the road.

Pruning work is needed to stop any damage to the building from the tree, which is described as one of the best examples of a beech in the city.

Winckley Square is the centre of a planned heritage regeneration project.

Councillor Anthony Gornall, of Preston City Council, said: "This tree is blocking light and could also damage the office building it is touching.

"The tree needs to be pruned, but it is perhaps one of the best examples of a beech tree that we have in Preston.

"As such, the work will be carried out in a careful and sensitive way to make sure the healthy tree is not damaged in any way."

Winckley Square centres on a Georgian garden, with a £3m redesign of the area currently being planned.