A ROW of cherry trees which form a famous avenue across a well-used footpath could soon be for the chop.

When in full bloom, the blossoms on Harrogate Stray have regularly featured on picture postcards and calendars.

However, the trees, which were planted to commemorate the Queen's Coronation half a century ago, are coming to the end of their natural life.

But before any final decision to axe the trees is taken, a full public consultation will be carried out.

Originally, 100 trees were planted but as they aged, many had to be removed because of disease, vandalism and excavations.

Today, only about 50 remain.

Harrogate Borough Council's tree officer, John Watson, said that after half a century, the trees, which have a lifespan of 80 years, were producing much less blossom.

He now hoped to see the trees replaced by trees with a golden theme, such as yellow ash, limes that produce a yellow leaf in autumn, and sycamores.

Replacements would not be saplings but 15 to 18ft high in a bid to lessen the impact of a mass felling.

Before any action is taken, it is planned to consult widely with the public and organisations, including the Civic Society, the town's Britain In Bloom group, and councillors.

The chairwoman of the town's Civic Society, Lilian Mina, said she reacted with "shock and horror" when she first heard of the plans.

However, after inspecting the site in detail, she has given a cautious welcome to the scheme, having accepted that some of the cherry trees are past their best.