Work will start today.

The decision to fell the oak tree from the garden has been taken after the contract tree specialist inspected the remaining trees in the park. The inspection of the trees follows the failure of a large section of an oak tree on January 11.

"We haven't taken the decision to fell the tree lightly," council operations manager Peter Bowmer said.

"In fact, we looked at various options to save the tree including cable bracing and canopy pruning."

"However, our consultant identified a significant structural fault in the tree and after some discussion, we have decided it would be in the public's safety to remove the tree rather than wait any longer," he said.

Weather permitting the removal of the tree is scheduled to take place the week commencing Monday 20 February.

Although no vehicular access around the park should be affected, Corbett Gardens itself will be closed during the felling.

A decision to plant a replacement tree will be made following the operation.