Work to underground utility lines on Ewing Street will begin on Monday but the street’s trees will not be affected, the Corporation of Hamilton has promised.

The work, between North Street and Court Street, will not affect the median of French oaks that residents took to the streets to protect.

They were told on Thursday that city chiefs had backed down and would not uproot the trees.

The Corporation said on Friday that trenching works would begin on Monday as part of phase one of the Ewing Street Refurbishment Project.

“At present, this will be the only Ewing Street refurbishment plans which will proceed,” said a City Hall spokesman.

He added that residents had been consulted and kept informed about the work.