Council plans to combat spread of tree disease

Peterborough council says ash dieback is spreading in a woodland

A council wants to hear what people think about its plans to fight a tree disease in a woodland area.

Peterborough City Council said ash dieback was a "particular concern" in Bretton Woods.

Officials said a review had shown the further spread of the disease, which damages shoots, branches and trunks and kills most of the infected trees, and the woods could become "dangerous".

The council wants locals to have their say on proposals for removing diseased trees.

A spokesperson said a review, carried out as part of a woodland management plan, had confirmed the "further spread of ash dieback".

The plan was to remove diseased trees and a "small area around them" to create a clearing, they added.

That area would then be replanted with a "wider range of native broadleaved trees".

They said some trees that presented a "health and safety concern" would be removed.

"Comments from residents will be considered and included, where possible, prior to the implementation of the next phase of the plan," said the spokesman.

"In addition, the city council will be required to submit a felling licence application to the Forestry Commission prior to works commencing."

The spokesperson said residents could take part in a survey.

'Dangerous'

Angus Ellis, the council's cabinet member for the environment and transport, said: “We have been monitoring the spread of ash dieback at Bretton Woods since 2013.

"It’s a particular concern in this area, as ash trees make up the majority of all three woods.

“Action needs to be taken as it is likely that the woods will become too dangerous for public access."

He added: "Alternative approaches to those specified within the plan would potentially have a significant landscape impact or significantly restrict public access to the site alongside, causing a marked deterioration of wildlife habitats within the woods.”