Almost 30 potentially dangerous and dead trees are to be chopped down in Falmouth's Tregoniggie Woods.

The go-ahead has been given to fell 23 Lawson cypress and 'monolith' (reduce to their main stems, without branches) four dead alder, which made up part of the woodland off Bickland Water Road.

Cornwall Council's Environment Service said a tree preservation order was issued on the wood in 1965, but the Lawson cypress were planted afterwards, after 1970, as part of an intended nursery.

The team said: "The trees are overcrowded and have grown too tall because of the lack of spacing. One of the trees recently fell down causing damage to neighbouring properties.

"These could therefore be considered to be dangerous if left in situ."

Working with the Friends of Tregoniggie Woodland, the team will be planting native deciduous species this autumn, with the spokesperson adding: "The rationale for choosing native species is to improve the biodiversity potential for the woodland and provide future appropriate trees in this wooded area."

The Environment Service applied for a five day exception notice, with Cornwall Council's Planning and Sustainable Development Service since confirming that the work was exempt from any need for permission and it could continue.