A distinctive avenue of horse chestnut trees in west Oxford are to be felled and replaced amid concerns they could be dangerous.

Oxford University college Christ Church has decided to fell 17 trees that stand on its land at either side of Binsey Lane, leading to St Margaret's Church.

The college believes they could be dangerous. A number of tree branches fell during the recent storms, though the trees remained standing. Many are infected with a fungal disease called phytopthora.

The decision comes as the city council launches an investigation into the condition of a horse chestnut tree which killed a young woman in Gloucester Street.

Student Angela Regoczy, 22, of Blandford Avenue, Oxford, was killed last month when the 20-tonne tree crashed on to the Renault Espace in which she was a passenger.

Investigators will scrutinise the city council's inspection and maintenance records amid claims the tree was rotten.

Those living near the trees in Binsey Lane concede they should be taken down if they pose a risk.

Alison Cobb, of Binsey Residents' Association, said: "In view of the tragic killing of a member of the public in Gloucester Street, we believe they should come down and be replaced."

The issue was discussed by Oxford City Council's central, south and west area committee on Tuesday. It had recommended Christ Church fell and replace six trees immediately, prune the remaining trees and fell them in 2012.