Alder trees face the chop in New Plymouth

After years of complaints, the avenue of Alder trees lining New Plymouth's main street are undergoing a heavy trim before they get the chop completely.

Retailers blame fallen leaves and flower clusters from the trees for blocking drains and causing a slip hazard, but some shoppers say they'll be sad to see them go.

RNZ Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin has more.