THE oak trees which line the entrance of the Lawns in Old Town are dying because of a soil-based fungal disease.

They cost £1,800 each to plant but are now perishing due to honey fungus, a disease which is likely to have been in the soil when the 34 pin oaks were planted in 1992.

Les Smith lives near the park in the Hermitage and has enjoyed the trees since they were planted.

He said: "I 've watched them from the day they were put in. They are gorgeous trees and were beautiful for the first two or three years,

"It seems a bit silly not to check the soil, especially with that much money spent on them."

Adrian Ruck, spokesman for Swindon Council, said: "The disease is a common problem in all woodland areas and a major one since there is no known cure. To remedy the situation, a number of options are being looked at.

"One of the trees was replaced last winter and a sewer ring placed around it to act like a giant pot. It is hoped this might protect the tree from the fungus and if successful, the same process may be carried out with the other trees."

Honey fungus lives in dead and decaying roots and is one of the most dangerous fungi in a garden because it spreads rapidly underground and is difficult to get rid of. The disease produces honey-coloured toadstools.

An infected tree dies once the fungus has girdled it or when extensive root death has occurred.