IN the interests of public safety four dead trees will be removed from Saffron Walden High Street next month.

Essex County Council, following consultation with Saffron Walden Town Council and Uttlesford District Council, will be removing four dead trees, three maples and one thorn tree, on Saturday November 3.

The authority said the trees had been in decline for a number of years and that removal was necessary in the interest of public safety.

Measures will be put in place to ensure that the minimum amount of disruption is caused to highways road users and residents, with cones being placed around the area for a short time.

The trees will be replaced with London Plane trees, which are longer living and respond better to maintenance such as pruning.

It is also hoped the London Plane will provide an attractive and more unified appearance to the location for the benefit of the whole community.

The replacement planting will take place during the next available planting season of November to February 2013.