WORK began yesterday to pave the way for a scheme to turn Darlington's inner ring road into a tree-lined boulevard.

Council workers are felling seven ageing trees and five other trees at the Victoria Road roundabout near Safeway.

The 60- to 70-year-old sycamore and horse chestnut trees had been monitored for some time and were considered to be in a dangerous condition.

Work on planting more than 100 new trees, including lime, pear, beech and rowan, is due to start next month and should take between six and eight weeks to complete.

The new trees will run from the top of Victoria Road to the inner ring road roundabout at the bottom of Haughton Road, near JJB Sports.

Weeping willows and birches will also be planted alongside the River Skerne.

A spokesman for the council's environmental services department said: "This is an extensive planting scheme which is part of the town centre improvement strategy. The theme is to ensure all-year-round interest in terms of blossom, autumn colours and beautiful barks."

Coun David Lyonette, cabinet member for regeneration and planning, said: "We have to make sure trees in the town are healthy and safe, and are therefore removing some which are in poor condition.

"The new planting will more than compensate for the loss of these trees and will enhance the ring road for residents and visitors to the town."