SPECIALISED tree work will take place as part of ongoing maintenance work to Colchester's historic Roman Town Wall.

Colchester Council will be conducting works to a section of the wall along Priory Street from Monday to next Wednesday (Feb 26).

The work will follow strict guidelines adopted in the council's 2018 management plan for the wall and a heritage partnership agreement with Historic England.

Colchester Natural History Society has also agreed to adopted approach, which will see trees, shrubs and other woody plants pruned.

Plants such as bramble, elder and ivy can damage the fabric of the wall and have to be carefully removed by hand.

Some parking bays in Priory Street car park will be closed whilst the works take place.

Culture boss Julie Young said: "As custodians of such a unique and irreplaceable monument, we are committed to its protection and enhancement in ways that also helps nature conservation and promotes its setting for the benefit of current and future generations.

“All of the planned work will be undertaken meticulously, in keeping with our 2018 management plan, and with the support and oversight of Historic England and other local bodies dedicated to its preservation as a major source of local civic pride.”

Mike Lilley, councillor responsible for communities, wellbeing and public safety, added: "We apologise for any inconvenience the works may cause to motorists, but the part-closure is necessary to carry out these essential tree works."