Trees on two main city streets are being hacked down as part of a major roadworks project.
Lancashire County Council says removing the trees from Fishergate and Church Street will give the streets the “same clean, contemporary look” as the rest of the new look Fishergate.
A spokesman for the county council said: “Although the work to construct the new road and pavement is not planned until a later date, the trees are being removed now so that nesting birds are not disturbed in the spring.
“Some of the trees are in poor health, are not suited to a city location and would have required removal in the near future regardless of these works.
“The scheme includes planting a significant number of new healthy trees of a more appropriate species for an urban environment, as provided in the first phase.
“A smaller number of trees within the area will also be pruned to encourage better growth, develop a better shape and prevent future damage to buildings.”
Work began on Monday on the second phase of the Fishergate roadworks – from Cheapside to Cannon Street – which uses the controversial shared space where neither motorists or pedestrians have right of way.
