Emergency work has been carried out to fell a mature Horse Chestnut tree at Salisbury Field in Dorchester.

The felling came after Dorchester Town Council recently completed a tree survey in the area that identified a tree requiring further investigation. A climbing inspection was then carried out which confirmed that the tree needed felling.

The tree was on the southern boundary of the recreation ground to the rear of 8-10 South walks Road.

A town council spokesman said that it was regrettable that felling was the only option, due to a fungal infection which had affected the structural strength of the timber.

"The tree is located adjacent to one of the main pathways and also borders domestic gardens and so poses a risk to those passing below it.

"The main stems all show significant areas of infection and bark splitting, fruiting bodies have been observed high in the canopy. Branch extension growth for a few years has been weak and limited again indicating the whole tree is not functioning well…

"The town council regrets having to take this decision, we highly value the mature trees set on this lovely town centre open space. We will be planting replacement trees at Salisbury Field, along with others as part of a wider replanting programmed in for autumn/ winter 2021/22."