Investigation work on trees earmarked for felling

Investigation work has been carried out on trees which have been earmarked for felling.

Controversial plans to cut down 19 trees at Barrow's Infield Park, in Cumbria, were paused earlier this year amid objections by residents.

Westmorland and Furness Council had raised public safety concerns about the state of uneven pavements.

Excavation work to assess the depth of other tree roots on the street will take place on Monday, but it will not impact any trees, the authority said.

More than 1,000 people had previously signed a petition to the save trees, leading to a pause in the felling.

The earliest councillors will discuss if work should be carried out will be January.

It comes after initial work was carried out last week to excavate sections of the footway and measure the depth of the tree roots below.

The findings from the investigations will inform a consultation, planned to launch in January 2025, where residents will be able to provide feedback, the council said.

It added that it was keen to understand if resurfacing without tree removal was a "possible safe and suitable long-term solution".

The work next week is expected to be completed within four days, with road and footway closures during that time, the authority added.

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