Newcastle City Council will begin implementing the measures today and expect to have physical work completed by Christmas.

The move comes after councillors last night voted 8-5 to reverse a November decision to remove and replace 14 Hills fig trees in the Cooks Hill strip and replace them with a different species.

Staff recommended the action because the ageing trees were deemed a public safety risk.

A packed public gallery last night applauded and cheered at the rescission motion's success and booed those councillors who stood against it.

Protesters also gathered in Civic Park before the meeting, asking the council to reconsider the decision to chop down the trees.

Petitions containing almost 2500 signatures also supported the protesters' call.

The council will now consult the community, consider arboricultural advice, risk assessments and other options for Laman Street by May 2010 before making a decision about the trees.

Cr Michael Osborne said no one was suggesting doing nothing in Laman Street, but all options to manage the risk, not just tree removal, must be considered.

Lord Mayor John Tate suggested, with his colleagues' support, that general manager Lindy Hyam be authorised to take necessary measures to ensure public safety in the precinct.

A council spokeswoman said last night that the council's traffic committee had agreed to close Laman Street to east-bound traffic between Darby and Dawson streets, with a diversion at Dawson Street.

All parking would be removed.

Seats in Civic Park that are located under vulnerable trees have been taken out.

Two traffic drop-off zones for art gallery and library visitors will be added to Laman Street.