The historic trees in Skipton High Street are to be tidied up.

The 14 lime trees, believed to be more than 100 years old, have started to cause problems for market traders, shops and people parking their cars. So for the first time in several years, lower branches are to be lopped off and the trees generally tided up.

Les Chandler, project manager for Skipton Town Council, said people should not be alarmed.

“There may have been times in the past when the trees on the High Street were treated less than sensitively, but this won’t happen again,” he said. “The work will be restricted to the minimum possible to ensure their health and good looks.”

The trees are within the town’s conservation area and the work needed the permission of Craven District Council before it took place.

The council has consulted with the police, North Yorkshire County Council and Skipton Civic Society. Permission has now been given and work, to be carried out by A Binns and Co of Laneshawbridge, is expected to take place in the next few weeks.

Mr Chandler said the work would take place either on a Sunday or a non-market day.

The council’s chief officer, Dave Parker, said the work was necessary for safety reasons.

“The trees are beginning to overgrow shop fronts, car parking areas, market stalls and streetlights,” he said. “At the same time, we are acutely aware of the trees’ significance and the affection local people have for them.”