Diseased trees next to busy road to be felled

A project is under way to remove trees affected by ash dieback in Leicestershire.

The Leicestershire County Council scheme aims to protect the remaining healthy trees along the A511 between Ashby and Coalville.

Ash dieback is a "highly destructive disease" caused by fungus, the county council said, which can lead to infected trees shedding branches or limbs, or potentially falling as a tree dies.

The project involves removing dead and dying trees affected by ash dieback, and trimming back any foliage or trees that obscure road signs or affect visibility.

The authority's forestry team is working alongside a contractor to carry out the tree management works between the A42 Flagstaff roundabout in Ashby and the Hoo Ash roundabout in Coalville.

All timber removed during the works will be reclaimed and repurposed, the authority added, with a replanting programme planned to replace the felled trees with native species.

Blake Pain, cabinet member for environment and the green agenda, said: "Ash dieback is a significant challenge, but through proactive management and replanting with native species, we’re maintaining public safety as well as ensuring the long-term health of our local woodlands."

Motorists are advised to drive carefully through the area and follow signage to ensure the safety of workers and the public during the work.

Similar works were carried out earlier this year along the A511, north of Ashby.

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