Trees at an east Manchester beauty spot are having to be cut back to ensure they don't interfere with electricity pylons it can be revealed.
For several days, a footpath which runs through Clayton Vale has been fenced off.
The vale is an area of green space around the River Medlock and is popular with both cyclists and dog walkers.
Workers with chainsaws have been seen cutting back trees and branches on the verge facing Bank Bridge Road.
It has led several worried locals to contact the Manchester Evening News asking what was going on.
It has now been revealed that electricity company bosses have moved in due to fears over nearby electricity pylons.
They carry two key 132,000 volt lines, which serve the thousands of nearby homes, including parts of Manchester city centre.
Electricity North West says poplar and ash trees are pose a 'threat' to their equipment - and that if they are allowed to grow any higher, branches could fly off during storms and high winds and disrupt the supply.
They say the work is being done by skilled tree removers and that they have worked closely, with the council to ensure it is done respectfully, with new trees being planted in their place.
Leanne Ridings, vegetation control delivery manager at Electricity North West said: "The trees in Clayton Vale surround two 132,000 volt overhead electricity lines which serve 27,615 customers across areas of Manchester including the city centre.
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"Clayton Vale is a site we have repeatedly attended due to the area’s fast-growing species of poplars, willow and ash trees that pose a threat to our equipment.
"As the winter months approach, and for safety, our highly skilled arborists are now proactively pruning the trees to ensure they won’t impact our equipment during a potential storm or high winds.
"We have continually worked alongside Manchester council with regards to this work and will continue to do so once the work is complete by planting new and more native species of trees such as oak and hazel along with a wild flower meadow area which benefits both birds and bees."
