TREES on the High Street are withering away and were probably doomed since the day they were planted.

These were the findings of the Craven Tree Trust, which looked into the possibility of replacing the trees on Skipton's main street.

There are 14 trees - seven on each side - which were planted to mark Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee. Their fate was discussed by Skipton Town Council's public amenities committee on Monday.

Two representatives from the trust were invited to attend to give their opinion on the trees' condition and the setting up of a fund to replace them.

Bob Preece from the trust said: "There's no reason why these trees should not have flourished if the base of the soil was prepared correctly and there's adequate access to water.

"These trees should have been twice the size they are now. We are not sure how well the soil was prepared when planted and we won't know that until we dig them up."

Coun Robert Heseltine said that the trees were past their sell-by date. "When the Victorians planted them the only problem was sheep muck and cow muck. That has been replaced by motor car fumes and diesel emissions," he explained.

Coun Marcia Turner pointed out that at the same time as the High Street trees were planted a lime tree was put in the churchyard at the top of the street. It was much bigger than the others.

There were also discussions about how the marketholders' presence had affected the trees.

Clerk Andrea Adams said the council would prefer to see a different type of tree planted. Mr Preece said that a variety of cherry tree would be an option.

The trust estimated that the cost of planting 30 trees would be £50,000. On top of that, about £1,000 might be required for maintenance.

The meeting heard that permission would have to be sought from High Street frontagers and a licence would be required from the Highway Authority if part of the road had to be cordoned off for work.

The trust also noted that, as the High Street was a conservation area, presumably planning permission would be required.

For funding, the trust said that there were three possibilities - local authority, grants or lottery and public subscription.

The committee approved the replacement of the trees and the matter will now be debated at full council.