THE announcement that more than 170 trees in a park may have to be cut down due to safety fears has been branded "the tip of the iceberg".

And councillors have voiced concerns parks may have to be closed as a result of national cases of people being killed by falling trees.

Hyndburn Council is considering tree felling work at a cost of more than £30,000 in Haworth Park, Accrington.

But Coun Clare Pritchard said problems of diseased and dying trees in the borough are widespread.

She said: "These trees are dangerous. It is an unfortunate issue but one that needs to be taken very seriously.

If an accident occurs as a result of a tree or branch falling, the owner of the land is held responsible if they do not have an adequate inspection and maintenance programme.