TREES in the Strand Gardens will begin to be felled within the next fortnight in preparation to regenerate the area.

TREES in the Strand Gardens will begin to be felled within the next fortnight in preparation to regenerate the area.

As part of the �3 million works, the fellings will pave the way for the planting of 20 new trees across the site.

Some of the trees are diseased, in particular the two horse chestnuts on Rolle Street, while another has not much more than 10 years to live and is strapped together with pieces of steel which could eventually be dangerous.

Other trees, such as the Scots Pine, are in declining health and regular surveys of this tree have revealed that it is gradually tilting over further each year.

The scheme is funded by �2million from Devon County Council and �1million from East Devon District Council.

Exmouth county councillor Eileen Wragg, said: "The Strand development will evolve into a central part of Exmouth which will be the envy of many other towns for years to come.

"Trees have historically been a source of pride for local people, so it is hugely important to Exmouth that this tradition continues."

The replacement trees in the scheme will be a very significant size and it is intended to include a new Great Tree for Exmouth, which used to be an historic feature in the town over the years.

Darryl Nicholas, mayor and East Devon District Council's Exmouth Champion, said: "This project is about providing somewhere unique that Exmouth residents can take to their hearts; somewhere a bit different that enables our residents to celebrate and enjoy all that is wonderful about living in our town; and somewhere special that attracts our visitors into the town centre and makes them want to come back again and again. Mighty oaks from tiny acorns grow."

Tony Collins, Exmouth town manager said: "It will be great to see the work start and we can begin planning for how we make this space the "living centre" of our Town. All credit must go to the people involved for getting us to this exciting stage in the project's life."

This work will also allow a new and effective drainage scheme to be built underground and will allow the County Council to install ducting for nine new power points to provide electricity for markets and events in the Strand in future.

The contract for the regeneration of Exmouth Strand is due to be awarded in the New Year, and the phased construction is expected to take around nine months.

Ends