Trees outside the home of the Isle of Wight council are to be chopped down after suffering from decay for the last four years.
But they will be replaced next year.
In recent months, fencing has been erected around the three large trees outside the main reception area of County Hall to ensure public safety.
The trees, on Newport High Street, have been identified as decaying since as early as 2018.
Trees now need to be removed
An Isle of Wight council spokesperson has now confirmed, following regular inspection, their conditions have continued to decline — so much so they now need to be removed.
The eastern-most tree, immediately outside reception, has significantly weakened, they said, to the point where the council must take action now to ensure public safety by removing the potential danger, which must be its top priority.
Will be replaced in spring with young trees
The council says the other two have also reached the end of their lives.
The spokesperson said,
“All three will be replaced in the spring with young trees of a species more suited to the location and our changing climate.”
“Interpretation boards” to be installed
The council will also be installing interpretation boards about the trees and how they help tackle climate change by reducing carbon emissions.
Elsewhere, the authority will be planting 85 tree whips at Seaclose Park increasing the area covered by the Millennium Wood.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
