TREES in the grounds of Worcester Cathedral will be chopped down before they cause damage to historic ruins.

Several small, self-sown trees growing close to a listed wall are considered to have the potential to cause harm if allowed to mature further.

Worcester City Council has given planning consent for the trees - a spruce and a group of elder, holly and yew trees - to be cut down.

The council’s tree and landscape officer had said: “No objections to the proposed works have been received from local ward members, which suggests there are no significant concerns regarding the removal of these trees.

“The lack of visibility from public vantage points also suggests that the removal will have minimal impact on the aesthetic or amenity value of the area.

“Due to ongoing building works, gaining closer access to assess the condition of the trees has not been possible.

“However, given that these trees are growing close to a listed wall forming part of the cathedral grounds, their proximity to the structure raises concerns about future structural damage.”