WORK to fell or prune trees on picturesque riverbanks will begin this week.

Bosses at landowners Durham Cathedral say the work is essential to make the banks of the River Wear in Durham city centre safe and will also open up new views.

Trees categories as ‘high risk’ were cut down last winter.

This year, trees seen as being of medium or low risk will be addressed.

The work is expected to continue until the end of February.

During this time, some footpaths may be disrupted.

The Cathedral has apologised for any inconvenience and asked for understanding and co-operation.

The work is part of an ongoing Woodlands and Riverbanks project, part-funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.