The big chop on Whanganui's Willis Street

Trees were being removed from Willis St on Monday. PHOTO/ BEVAN CONLEY

Contractors have removed trees along one side of Whanganui's Willis Street - to replace them later with a row of magnolias.

The 16 trees were being removed late last week and on Monday. They were a mixture of birches and tulip trees.

Whanganui District Council arboriculture parks officer Claire Lilley said many of them had internal rot issues that could cause big branches to collapse.

When the trees are gone Whanganui District Council will install a new gas main and upgrade the kerb and channel on that side of the street.

After that Magnolia denudata trees can be planted, adding to those already in the verge at the Anzac Pde end of the street.

The trees on the other side of the street are to remain, and the street's residents have been told of the changes.