Around 50 mature trees are set to be cut down on a pathway in Paisley as part of works which are scheduled to begin next week.

Private contractors will complete the job on the route connecting Amochrie Road and Brediland Road to create signal clearance for a telecoms mast.

Councillors have been made aware of the works, which are being conducted on behalf of a telecoms company at their cost.

They are due to begin on Monday, October 16, taking place while the schools are off, with the pathway being closed until the works are complete.

An email from Renfrewshire Council’s tree and woodlands officer said: “The telecoms company had originally approached the council with intention to reduce the height of the trees to 12.5m, however after assessing the condition of the ash trees I have requested that this scope was changed.

“The banking is predominantly comprised of ash of which all are rapidly declining due to ash dieback.

“Some of the more advanced trees are at a stage where climbing would no longer be safe.

“I have stipulated that the arborists can determine the safest course of action on a tree-by-tree basis and have granted permission to fell all of the trees from ground level if this is safer for them.

“Following the works the area should be replanted with a variety of smaller growing species to provide a long term solution to the tree related conflict with the adjoining mast.

“It is likely that the remaining sections of the banking will also require clearance as a follow on phase of works.

“Any further phases will need to be undertaken at the council’s expense.”

Councillor Stephen Burns, an SNP representative for Paisley Southwest, said: “It’s good to hear the area should be replanted after these works.

“Hopefully, the clearing of some of the trees will create a brighter path for people to walk through during the winter months, which are just around the corner.”