WORK has commenced on the felling of three ash trees in Melksham over concerns that they could pose a risk to public safety.
The trees, situated at Trent Crescent, Chestnut Mews and Gloucester Square, were found to be infected with ash dieback following the results of a survey by Wiltshire Council. The work to remove them commenced on 20th March.
Wiltshire Council carries out an annual ash dieback survey on the county’s ash trees situated close to roads to identify how many are diseased and the stage of disease in each tree. Ash dieback causes the trees to lose timber strength, which can cause branches or the whole tree to fall.
Wiltshire Council cabinet member for transport, councillor Caroline Thomas said, “Unfortunately, ash dieback is killing and weakening all our ash trees, and while felling them isn’t a decision we take lightly, it’s something we have to do to keep roads safe for all users.
“With over 100,000 ash trees growing beside Wiltshire’s highways and a further 240,000 alongside public rights of way, the scale of the challenge is immense and work must be carried out as a priority.
“We have committed to improving and protecting Wiltshire’s biodiversity in our business plan, and so for each one of these ash trees that is felled, we’ll be planting three more native trees; some at the same site and others in different parts of the county.
“I’d urge any Wiltshire landowners with ash trees on their land – particularly next to a public footpath or highway – to have them professionally surveyed and felled as appropriate, to keep people safe.”
For more information about the felling of trees in Melksham, please contact Wiltshire Council directly on 0300 456 0100 or email, customerservices@wiltshire.gov.uk
