Major surgery in prospect for 11 cypress trees adjacent to play area in Haverstoe Park, Cleethorpes

Some of the limbs on the cypress trees are said to have 'minor failings'

                                                    

A DATE with the chainsaw beckons for a collection of ancient trees in Haverstoe Park, Cleethorpes.

It has been revealed this week that North East Lincolnshire Council intends to "reduce" the size of 11 majestic cypress trees close to a kiddies' playground.

Following recent high winds, the authority is fearful that one or more branches could topple. causing risk to life and limb.

Recent inspections have indicated that there are "some minor failings to some of the limbs of the trees".

Says NELC arborist Philip Smith: "We have a whole programme of work to trees coming up over the winter.

"It is important that we do these works now before the winter storms set in and before birds start nesting in spring."

The council may have been alerted to the risk by the conspicuous damage to a similar-sized conifer in the garden of a neighbouring property. 

A large branch has snapped and is hanging precariously. 

Tree surgery company Woodpecker Trees Ltd have secured the contracts to carry out the works over the next two weeks.

During the project, the play area and basketball court will be out of bounds from Friday 17 November to Monday 27 November except at weekends.

The broken branch of tree in nearby garden