Cheltenham's Promenade will be closed for part of next week to enable trees to be pruned to protect nearby historic buildings.

The three London plane trees, believed to date to around 1850, have been causing damage to Grade II listed buildings.

After fears the trees may have needed felling, investigation work agreed pruning was the best solution.

Councillor Vernon Smith, Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member for highways, said: "These veteran giants of Cheltenham are among the largest trees on Gloucestershire's highways, as well as being some of the oldest in the town.

"The pruning work will help let more light through to younger trees and at the same time protect historic buildings nearby.

"I'm so pleased we've been able to find a suitable alternative to felling, therefore allowing these much loved trees to be enjoyed for generations to come."

The road will be closed on January 11-12 with a lane closure the following day as pruning takes place from 9.30am-3.30pm.

The parking lane along the west side of the Promenade will be closed with temporary traffic lights in use at certain times.

There will also be a footpath closure between No 99 and 107 Promenade for all three days.

The diversion is via the A40 Lansdown Road, B4633 Gloucester Road and St George's Road.