Cumberland Council would like to update residents and businesses of planned tree maintenance on the A595.
Following on from surveying Cumberland’s Resilient Road Networks, (most As, some Bs and C roads), it has been highlighted that several areas of Ash Trees along the A595 need attention. Specific trees require immediate felling, while others demand further maintenance or additional inspections.
Working closely with parish and town councils, as well as landowners who have Ash trees on their properties, which are infected and may pose potential hazards. This pro-active collaborative approach aims to assist landowners in coordinating with appropriate companies to manage the infected trees, ensuring they do not become a risk to people or property.
Ash Dieback affects Ash trees (Fraxinus ssp.). It is the worst tree disease since the Dutch Elm outbreak in the late 1970s, which effectively wiped-out mature Elms from the British landscape. It is predicted that within the next decade, up to 90% of all Ash trees across the UK will be affected, leading to significant tree removal.
Infected trees can become brittle and pose a safety risk as they may fall or shatter without warning, which requires the use of heavy machinery for removal to maintain the safety of the operative responsible for the works.
The Highways Team has been working on the A595 monitoring the Ash Dieback and the next stage is to fell deceased trees.
The council is assuring the public that tree removal is considered a last resort, aligning with the council's policy, which directs removal only in cases where the tree is dead, dying, diseased, or dangerous. Consequently, only trees meeting these criteria will be removed.
Residents in areas directly affected by tree removal will receive letters from the council’s contractor, providing detailed explanations for the removal.
Cumberland Council wishes to thank the community for their continued support and patience while these works take place on the A595 and apologise for any inconvenience caused.
For more information about the disease and how to spot it, please go to the Woodland Trust website.
If landowners have received a letter regarding felling Ash trees and need more assistance, please either go to the Cumberland Council website or contact Cumbria Highways on 0300 303 2992.