TWENTY trees are set to be chopped down by Bournemouth council in order to prevent them damaging a nearby BMX track.

Root growth has caused sections of the course at Iford Meadows to “ripple” and the authority says that their removal is “unavoidable”.

While half of the trees earmarked to be chopped down are described as “poor quality”, the remainder are classed as semi-mature.

The council’s plans, which include the planting of 12 new trees further away from the track, will require the approval of its planning board on Monday.

Rules require that any scheme requiring the removal of seven or more trees by the authority be approved by councillors.

It has been brought forward as part of the council’s plans to carry out stabilisation work to a banked section of the course which it is hoped will raise the standard of the track to a level where it could host national championship events.

A report to the planning board says: “During the last 12 months, the impact of the tree roots has become much more visible with the tarmac rippling.

“The berm also needs supporting as the back is being eroded through weathering and the impact of the trees.”

The new native trees proposed by the council as a replacement will be planted in three groups of four and positioned to give them “the best opportunity to grow into well-formed specimens”.

Councillors are being recommended to give permission for the felling work and will consider the scheme at Monday’s planning board meeting.

The report adds: “Whilst it is regrettable to lose established trees which are publicly visible and provide screening and visual amenity to the area, their removal is considered necessary to ensure the safety of users and spectators of the BMX track.

“The proposed replacement planting further away from the BMX track will ensure a better long-term relationship between the trees and the tracks.”