SIX treasured trees are going to be hacked down - with council chiefs saying they are obscuring the view of Worcester's iconic Cathedral.

A raft of Lombardy Poplar trees situated along Bromwich Parade in St John's are going to be removed after a plea from regulars at Worcestershire County Cricket Club's New Road ground.

Members at the world-renowned stadium say their view of the Cathedral has been blocked by the trees, two of which are rotting and considered dangerous.

Worcester City Council has now agreed to chop them down, opening up the view from one side to the other for the first time in over a generation.

It will take place over the course of the next week, with the work being timed to avoid the bird nesting season.

David Leatherdale, chief executive of Worcestershire County Cricket Club, said: "The view across the county ground to the backdrop of Worcester Cathedral is recognised as one of the most iconic views in the sporting world and synonymous with many images that represent Worcestershire.

"Over recent times the views have all but disappeared as the trees have become more and more overgrown and obstructed the famous Cathedral.

"I'm delighted the pruning of the trees will again allow this iconic view to be opened up again."

A spokesman for the city council, which has made serious efforts to enhance the riverside in recent years, said it will jointly fund the work along with the cricket club.

Despite the project resulting in the loss of more trees from the landscape people in the city have welcomed it.

Derek Johnson, 54, of Victoria Avenue, said: "It's one set of trees Worcester will lose that would improve the view rather than make it worse.

"You can see how those trees are looking rather worse for wear."

Yesterday the city council put markings on the trees due to be chopped down ahead of the project getting underway.

It comes after we revealed in January how a trio of Lombardy Poplar trees, which tower over the landscape behind the hotel just yards from the River Severn, are being removed after Diglis House hotel bosses said they were in a rapidly worsening condition.

The hotel will also be instructed to plant three replacement trees immediately, which will be Oak Cultivar ones.