A DEAD horse chestnut tree deemed too dangerous to be left standing is due to be felled by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

The tree is situated in a small area of woodland near the junction of Nottington Lane and the access road to Nottington Court.

The council is waiting for a break in the weather to give it time to chop down the tree.

The authority said that it has become clear that the tree poses a threat to pedestrians and road users.

Access may be restricted to Nottington Court for a short time while the tree is chopped down but traffic in Nottington Lane should not be restricted.

The borough council said it wanted to reassure people that trees are not removed without giving full consideration of all other available options. Coun Tim Munro, who is council spokesman for the environment and sustainability, said: “It is the duty of the council to protect the safety of both residents and wildlife in the borough and the decision to fell a tree is not one that is made without careful consideration.

“In this case, it was decided that the tree must be removed in order for the woodland and surrounding area to remain a safe area to be used by the public.”

The council said that it was still not known what killed the tree.