A CATHEDRAL has backtracked on its plans to fell nine trees after it was found many had been planted in memory of loved ones.

St Asaph Cathedral submitted a planning application to Denbighshire County Council to remove the trees from an area located between the car park and footpath, adjacent to the A525.

The trees were set to be removed, and replaced with dwarf trees, because of their size and overgrown branches, but it has since come to light that some of the trees had been planted in memory of people from the area.

The situation is now being "reviewed."

Dean of St Asaph Cathedral, Nigel Williams said: "We’ve applied for permission to fell nine trees as they have grown too big for the size of the plot. During the summer when in leaf, the overhanging branches cause problems for buses and lorries passing on the A525. In addition, the trees are casting a shadow on one another and some are dying as a result.

"Since making the application, it has come to our attention that some of the trees were planted in memory of local people.

"We were unaware of this previously and in light of this and the concerns raised, we will look at the situation again and see if alternative solutions can be found."

Initially, trimming options to maintain the trees were looked into but costs were deemed "unviable".

A spokesperson from St Asaph Diocese confirmed that further advice will be sought to see what other solutions might be possible but the application, as yet, hasn’t been withdrawn.