RESIDENTS of a Bromyard estate are applying for consent to remove an ash tree protected by a preservation order.

The tree, behind 2 Ash Crescent, has been dead for some time and is now so hollow that it is felt to be a danger to the property.

Mike Thomas, from Hereford-based Mike Thomas Tree Services, said: "The tree is so hollow that the walls are starting to crack. It's been pollarded before, which means that the crown was removed in its entirety to the bowl of the tree.

"Now the walls of wood are too thin and it's split up so that large lumps will tear out and quite probably hit the property. It's dangerous."

Herefordshire Councillors will hear the case and make a decision on whether to allow the destruction of the tree at its next planning meeting.