Infected trees alongside major road to be cut down

Cumberland Council said they will cut down trees on the A595

Infected trees will be cut down along a major road so they do not pose a risk to drivers.

Cumberland Council said it would cut trees on the A595 after several instances of ash dieback were discovered.

The incurable fungal infection can cause the trees to become brittle and fall without warning.

The local authority said the trees were a potential danger to anyone walking or driving close by.

The council previously called for locals to learn the signs of ash dieback so the infected trees could be dealt with sooner rather than later.

Earlier this year, National Highways announced it was felling hundreds of trees near major roads.

Ash dieback can cause the trees to become brittle and fall without warning

Ash dieback is expected to spread to 80% of UK ash trees at a cost of £15bn, according to the Woodland Trust.

The disease had slowly spread through Cumberland over the last three to four years, said a Cumberland Council spokesperson.

The local authority was currently surveying its entire 2,153-mile (3,465km) road network, they said.

Infected trees on the highway boundary will be felled using council funds, but trees located on private properties will be responsibility of the landowner to survey and deal with.

"Cumberland Council will work with any landowners to offer support wherever possible," the spokesperson added.