Historic palace which hosted Kings and Queens is being wrecked by mischievous SQUIRRELS

A 13th century palace which hosted Kings and Queens is being wrecked - by mischievous SQUIRRELS.

Church leaders have now applied to axe two trees to stop the pesky critters using them to reach the historic Old Palace and Bishop's House.

The Grade II listed buildings in the grounds of Worcester Cathedral have become badly damaged by the animal invasion.

The Old Palace, which dates back to 1270, was visited by Elizabeth I, Charles I and King George III.

Worcester Diocese say they squirrels have created a "microclimate" in the building after using it as a toilet.

They have lodged a planning application with Worcester City Council to trim 6ft off the trees to cut off the rodent's entry points.

The application states: "Authorisation is requested to carry out the proposed work, in order to remove access for squirrels who are causing considerable internal and external damage to the building and walkway by dampness/microclimate."

The church wants to a cut the overhanging branches of a nearby beech tree by 6ft (2m).

Residents living near the historic palace criticised church leaders for allowing the squirrels to "run rampant."

Diane Booth, 60, who has lived near the cathedral for 20 years, said: "My understanding is that the squirrels have been using the Old Palace as a toilet and nesting ground.

"You can see them scurrying in and out and leaping onto the building from the trees. It's a real shame the Diocese have allowed them to run rampant for so long.

"Cutting the trees back is really not going to help the situation and what happens when the branches grow back?

"The only way to stop this nuisance is to cull them but I suppose the animals rights brigade will get their knickers in a knot if they think a furry rodent is going to get hurt."

The imposing building, which sits on the shore of the River Severn,  was the official residence of the Bishop of Worcester until the 1840s.

It was sold to the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral to become the Deanery until the 1900s when it was transformed into the official headquarters of the Worcester Diocese.

Council planners have launched a consultation period on the proposed plans to halt the squirrel invasion with a view to making a final decision next month.