Five lime trees infected with a virulent fungus will be felled.

The trees are at Lygon Bank, Oxford Road, Colwall Green and Hastings Pool, Barnards Green.

All are infected with Kretschmaria deusta fungus, which causes widespread internal deterioration of trees.

It is not uncommon for infected trees to snap with little or no warning.

The decision comes following a tree safety survey, which was carried out by the Malvern Hills Conservators in Novem-ber.

Three further infected trees in Barnards Green will be thinned and reduced in height, though not infected enough to warrant felling, according to the survey.

The Conservators say that each of the felled trees will be replaced.