Disease will kill 'more than 180,000 trees'

The Woodland Trust said ash dieback has devastated European ash populations in the UK

About 183,000 trees in Northumberland will be lost to a fungal disease, a council has warned.

Ash dieback could kill 90-95% of European ash trees in Northumberland and the local authority says it can "only manage the impacts".

The fungal infection, spread by spores carried on the wind, is sweeping across the UK.

Trees in the county at risk of falling on to roads or buildings are being removed, but those that can fall safely will be left alone to act as a habitat for wildlife.

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

Once the spores penetrate the leaves the fungus grows inside the tree, eventually blocking its water transport systems and causing it to die.

Trees which pose a threat should they fall are being removed

Trees near roads and in public spaces will be cut down, but the council has warned this process will take many years and come at a substantial cost, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Speaking at a meeting on Wednesday, Northumberland County Council local services director Paul Jones said: "It is one of these horrible diseases that is going to wipe out the majority of ash trees in the UK.

"We can’t stop it, it spreads in the air and it is about managing the impact rather than preventing it.

"It has a 90-95% plus mortality rate on ash trees. The impact environmentally, financially and visually is significant."

Councillor Jeff Reid said: "It is really important that people understand the magnitude of this.

"It is going to be years before this is done."