AN application to remove five protected trees from the churchyard of Holy Trinity, Skipton, has been lodged by the town council.

Skipton Town Council, which earlier this year agreed it was responsible for the upkeep of the boundary wall of the parish church, has applied to fell one cherry tree and four lime trees, all of which are covered by tree protection orders (TPO).

The council and the church say the trees are threatening the stability of the wall towards The Bailey, which was first identified in need of urgent repair in 2015.

If permitted by Craven District Council, the trees will be removed and the wall rebuilt along the same line. The council plans to plant replacement trees in the churchyard.

In line with its sustainability goals, the council recommends to anyone proposing the removal of trees that each one should be replaced with up to 15 saplings, and if they cannot be accommodated on the application site, they will be planted elsewhere in Skipton.