Work to cut down a dangerous tree in a Weston-super-Mare park near a children's play area is to be carried out next week.

North Somerset Council officers carried out a routine inspection and noticed that the tree is in such a poor condition that it now needs to be removed in the interest of public safety.

North Somerset Council tree officer, Linda Saretok, said: "The dying tips of branches, poor leaf cover and areas of dead bark on the main trunk all indicate that this tree is in serious decline and there is a high risk of it collapsing. We would be negligent if we did not remove it, due to its location in a busy park."

Replanting will take place next autumn/winter. It is thought that a large section of the felled tree will be left on site to encourage natural play.