A TREE which is a prominent landmark is being removed on safety grounds.

Experts have found the 80-foot-tall oak, on a grassed area off Summerfield Road, Malvern Link, has extensive and advanced decay both at ground level and into the roots.

This means the 200-year-old tree is unstable and at risk of toppling over. Even if the tree was substantially reduced in size, there is still no guarantee it would pose no risk to the public.

As a result it has been recommended the tree should be removed and work is set to take place over three days from Monday, November 25. At least one replacement tree will be planted on the site at some point in the future.

Chris Lewis-Farley, landscape officer for Malvern Hills District Council, said: β€œIt is always disappointing when we have to remove any tree, especially one of this size and age. However, removal was the only course of action to guarantee the safety of the public and property.”