Number of at-risk trees saved from felling

The council told Infield Park, Barrow, residents it wanted to fell 19 trees

A number of trees controversially earmarked for felling will be allowed to remain in place.

Plans to cut down 19 trees at Barrow's Infield Park, in Cumbria, were paused earlier this year for inspection works amid objections from residents.

Westmorland and Furness Council members were told that, following an investigation, 13 trees would be able to remain on the paths.

A public consultation will take place at the end of February, or early March on remedial works needed for the other six trees with roots above surface level.

The results of the consultation will be announced at a meeting in July, the Furness Locality Board was told.

The Liberal Democrat-led authority sent letters to residents in March.

It said it intended to fell 19 trees on Infield Park for "public safety" over concerns about the state of uneven pavements.

Investigation work

Following residents' concerns, the council paused plans to fell the trees and said it would engage with residents to discuss options.

Locals set up a petition which has received more than 1,200 signatures.

The group previously said it had commissioned an arboriculturist report which concluded the proposed fellings were an "overreaction" and "unjustified", the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The council then carried out excavation work in November and December to measure the exact depth of roots below the surface to help inform future engineering decisions.