Willow trees in a scenic spot have been cut back in a move that has sparked concern they have been left too bare. 

The trees stand alongside the riverside walk in the Quayside, Norwich, which is one of the most photographed spots in the city.

Now the trees have been pruned by the Norwich City Council in what a spokesman has said is a routine effort "to keep things tidy".

Some willows have been left entirely bare alongside the Riverside Walk in Norwich (Image: Vince Yallop) "It’s simple routine council maintenance that’s undertaken to trim the trees that happens every three years or so," he added.

The method of pruning, called pollarding, is designed to keep the trees at a certain height.

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Maintenance jobs have seen the willows cut back drastically in recent years but now the trees are skinnier than ever before, with some being left entirely bare.

Local Jacqui Linstead said: "They were so beautiful and yet they have cut them all down on the Riverside Walk. So sad."

The willows have been cut back drastically to "keep things tidy" (Image: Google) David Blyth added: "Probably getting ready to cut them down."

City folk can expect the greenery to return to the by the turn of spring.