TREE surgeons are set to fell a potentially dangerous dying tree next to a busy pavement in Winchester city centre.

The tree has been ailing for some time with very few leaves in the spring unlike the pair of trees next to it on St George's Street.

Hampshire Chronicle:

In recent days it has started to shed its bark, a sign of termninal distress.

The tree is only inches from the busy pavement, well-used by pedestrians and next to St George's Street used by thousands of motorists every day.

The Chronicle contacted initially the city council but was told it was on highways land and so a matter for the county council.

A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council, said: “We can confirm that Hampshire County Council is planning to remove the diseased tree at Casson Block, as well as prune two other trees in that location.”