AN historic Worcester thoroughfare has been restored after four avenues of lime trees along New Road were given a new lease of life.

Nine trees have been planted by the city council to replace older trees that had died because vehicles had hit them.

Councillor Derek Prodger, who has campaigned for the dead trees to be replaced, said he was delighted with the work, adding the avenues were "a statement of beauty" for the area.

"I am very pleased these trees have been planted," he said.

"It's wonderful to see them back in place along the marvellous avenue, which is a part of Worcester's history and should be maintained."

In October 1999, Coun Prodger appealed to Worcestershire County Council to carry out whatever work was necessary to save the trees along the road. He told fellow councillors the four avenues of trees "afford a most attractive view" and provided a substantial contribution to the city's environment.

Now he has thanked officers for ensuring the re-planting work was carried out under the council's street tree enhancement programme.

But Chris Dobbs, principal landscaping architect, said although the trees looked the same, the young tilia green spires were a species which would not be as damaging to vehicles.

"The sap from these trees are not as sticky by any means," he said.

"When the older trees were planted, vehicles were not quite so common, but the sticky sap falling on cars now would be a problem."

Mr Dobbs said the avenue had to be restored for "aesthetic and historic reasons".

"But we have moved the trees back from the road to ensure traffic is not likely to hit them," he added.

"We're so pleased the trees have been planted - the avenues were looking really scruffy."

n Coun Derek Prodger plants one of the lime trees. Picture by Keith Blackham. 51047510