ALEXANDRA Park is to set to lose some of its trees, after planning permission was granted to fell them.

A Scots Pine and an Ash are both to be chopped down because neither is judged to contribute to the ‘visual amenity’ of the site.

Visitors to the park will also have noticed the recent loss of another nearby tree – an 'iconic and historic' monkey puzzle.

Famous for its spiky leaves, the tree stood on adjoining land but became a much-loved local landmark as it could be seen from the park. It was cut down two weeks ago.

“It was a beautiful, magnificent tree when in its prime,” said Seabanks resident Mike Collins, whose flat overlooks the park.

“A lot of people in Penarth remember the history of the tree and it used to be quite an iconic image.

“It had lost all of its green foliage recently, but I still think it is important to recall the history of something which was part of the original Alexandra Park and which stood there for a very long time.”

Contracted to remove the tree by the owner of the property on which it stood, Chris Watler said posed a safety risk, calling it ‘dead and dangerous’.

“The owner was a bit worried about people walking along the path in the park next to the tree,” he said.

“It had been dead for a while and it was dangerous to leave it there.”

The 45ft monkey puzzle tree had stood in the Grade II listed park overlooking the Bristol Channel for around 100 years.

Penarth Society chairman, Chris Wyatt, said: “It’s a shame.

“Taking down a tree is always sad. But if it’s dead it’s probably safer that it’s removed.”

The council confirmed that permission had been given to fell the tree.

“As the tree is within the Penarth Conservation Area it was statutorily protected,” said Principal Planning Officer for the council, Justina Walsh.

"However, once a tree is diseased, dying or dead, that protection is lost."

The council also said it had asked the land owner to consider planting a replacement tree.

Also known as a Chilean Pine, the 'monkey puzzle tree' is native to the Andes of Chile and Argentina. It is regarded as sacred by some indiginous populations and bad luck by others - and it is illegal to trade in its timber.