INVESTIGATION works are to take place on a Barrow street where a number of trees where previously earmarked for cutting down.

Westmorland and Furness Council is set to carry out works between November 27 and 29 on Infield Park.

Sections of the footway will be excavated to measure the depth of tree roots below the surface.

According to the council, the work will help inform future ‘engineering decisions’ and the footway surface will be reinstated back to how it was.

The council stressed the work will not impact any of the trees and no trees will be removed during the works.

In March, Infield Park residents received a letter from Westmorland and Furness Council on the proposed felling of 19 trees, which the local authority said was necessary for ‘public safety’ over concerns regarding the state of uneven pavements.

READ MORE: Plans to axe trees on Barrow street met with 'upset and disgust'

Following concerns raised by residents, the council paused plans to fell trees and said it would engage with residents to discuss options.

At a Furness Locality Board meeting in April a representative, speaking on behalf of the Infield Park residents, asked if ‘any solution will be approved by elected officials following a thorough consultation process with the public’.

In response chair of Furness locality board, councillor Tony Callister, told the board: “Furness locality board will be presented with the results of the Infield Park public consultation and a report from the WAF (Westmorland and Furness) network team for the locality board to discuss if any work should be carried out on Infield Park.”

READ MORE: Infield Park residents 'amazed' by support from community

Residents of Infield Park have set up a petition called ‘Save Infield Park Trees’ which has received over 1,200 signatures.

The group previously said they had commissioned an arboriculturist report which concluded the proposed felling of the trees was an ‘overreaction’ and ‘unjustified’.

The council say the findings from the investigations next week will inform a consultation, planned to launch in January 2025, where residents will be able to provide feedback on options that aim to provide a long-lasting solution.

Cabinet member for highways and ICT, councillor Peter Thornton said: “Ensuring the safety of our network for the local residents of Infield Park is our priority.

“These investigations are a crucial step in determining whether resurfacing parts of the footway, without the need for any tree removal, is a viable and sustainable solution based on the depth of the roots causing the damage.

“The findings will contribute to a consultation we plan to launch in January 2025. During this process, we will seek residents’ views on all feasible options before making any decisions.

“We are committed to finding the right balance between ensuring public safety and protecting the character of the streetscape; both of which are important to the local community.”

The council say they are keen to explore options that balance any impact on the streetscape with ensuring a safe and accessible highways for all, in line with the authority’s statutory duty.

As well as investigating the impact of the tree roots on the footway, the council is also working with the Barrow and District Disabled Association to audit the footway in its current condition and to assess the impact of any proposed options on people with impaired or restricted mobility.

A road and footway closure will be in place from November 27-29 between house numbers two and 10 on Infield Park while the investigation work is carried out.

Access for both residents and emergency service vehicles will be maintained throughout with no disruptions to waste and recycling collections.