Work to remove or replant diseased trees under way

National Highways said ash dieback had 'spread rapidly' to the trees alongside roads in the South West in recent years

Diseased trees in Devon and Cornwall are due to be removed or made safe from Monday, National Highways has said.

It said surveys carried out by its tree specialists have found dry conditions and increased temperatures had increased "ash dieback" among trees alongside roads.

National Highways said many ash trees were "deteriorating" and the disease was "significant" across the South West.

"It has spread rapidly to the trees alongside our roads over recent years," said National Highways.

'Urgent action'

"A large proportion are now dead or dying and pose a potential safety risk, leaving us with no alternative other than to make them safe or remove them.

"Over the coming months, we'll remove or make safe ash trees identified for urgent action.

"We'll also be replanting trees in some locations."

The authority said the tree work would start on Monday and would last about 12 weeks and the work would take place on weekdays only.

"Traffic management will include a combination of lanes closures and complete carriageway closures depending on the work taking place. If needed, diversion routes will be fully signposted," added National Highways.

National Highways said it would be removing or replanting in the following locations:

• A303 both directions between Horton, near Illminster, and the A303 Junction with the A350, near Chicklade

• A38 between the Turfdown roundabout, near Coleslogget Halt, and the Saltash junction with the B3271

• A38 between the Plymouth Tamar Bridge roundabout and Kennford Exeter