A PROTECTED tree is to be cut back after fears that its branches could damage a church vestry roof.

Forest planners gave permission for the large pine tree hanging over the vestry at St Andrews church in Alvington to be trimmed back to give four metres of space from the roof, which is currently overhung by branches.

A dead tree will also be chopped down in the churchyard, and a small yew is to be cut back to stop it growing over paths.

Meanwhile, a landmark century-old beech tree in a Monmouth churchyard has been felled on safety grounds.

The tree in St Mary’s churchyard had become blighted by a disease that attacks the root system, making it potentially unstable.

Giant polypore can cause extensive internal damage by infecting and growing in the roots of mature broadleaf trees, with beech trees very susceptible.

Meanwhile, the Forest Council has applied to its own planning department to cary out work on seven trees beside the village playground in Dymock.

The trees, which are in various states of decay, are located on the former railway embankments north of the railway bridge on Kempley Road.