Safety fears mean that an 80-year-old tree will have to be pulled out of a city centre square. The historic weeping ash, one of four trees in King's Square in York, will be removed after a recent safety inspection found it was dangerous.
It overhangs the square, often packed with tourists and city residents watching buskers and street performers.
The tree is thought to have been planted in the graveyard of the Holy Trinity church, which was demolished in 1937.
It has been fenced off to protect the public until it can be removed.
Harvey Lowson, City of York Council's arboricultural officer, said: "This hard decision has been made because the tree is in poor structural condition and is positioned over the busy public square.
"We will endeavour to plant a replacement tree next spring to sustain the square's attractive tree cover for future years."
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