THE first phase of works to make Kendal Market Place more attractive to visitors has begun.

Two silver birch trees were removed early on Monday morning as part of the £200,000 South Lakeland District Council project to create a high-quality, versatile space suitable for hosting a wide range of community-focused events and markets.

Some residents have protested at the removal of the trees located at the Highgate end of Market Place as pied wagtails roosted there during the winter months.

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SLDC looked to see if the trees could be incorporated into the new design scheme but arboricultural investigations showed they were reaching the end of their natural life.

A council spokesman said it was not possible to relocate the trees as their root systems were too entangled and they would not survive being moved.

Following consultation with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds the removal of the trees was scheduled for early March, to avoid disturbing the roosting birds.

The new design scheme will incorporate a new tree, one more suited to the space, in an underground planted pit, ensuring it has sufficient rooting space now and in the future.

Now the trees are removed, Cumbria County Council is expected to begin installing new street lighting in Market Place.