Belstone Parish Council has approved a plan to remove some of the diseased ash trees in Skaigh Wood.

At least seven ash trees, affected by ash dieback disease, were due to be felled in the last few days as a cautionary measure since they are close to a public footpath

Only those trees situated close to footpaths and other community areas will be felled in case they fall and cause obstructions or injuries to visitors. Affected trees in places where they are unlikely to cause harm will remain in situ.

As a local beauty spot the problem will have an influential effect on the area since the council have announced that the disease is fairly prevalent in the woods and is a continuing problem.

Ash dieback is caused by a fungus which progressively attacks the tree’s vascular system and ultimately preventing nutrients from reaching branches.

Ash is one of the most common tree species found on the British Isles but, many British ash trees are succumbing to the disease.

The fungus responsible for the disease originated in Asia and is currently sweeping across Britain.

Up to 90% of native ash species many be wiped out as a result.

Currently felling infected trees is the only known solution to prevent the disease from spreading.

Symptoms of the disease include wilted and spotted leaves, diamond-shaped lesions on the the trunk or at branch junctions and small blackened hanging branches.

Belstone’s council is urging anyone with an ash tree on their property to consult a tree surgeon and check for signs of the disease.

If anyone in the parish suspects that a tree may be infected, they should contact the Lord of the Manor, Michael Reddaway on 01837 840465 or contact Belstone Commoners’ Association secretary Jenny Gibbons by email at [email protected] or phone her on 01837 840282.

For more information on ash dieback in Devon, visit the Devon As Dieback Resilence Forum at www.devonashdieback.org.uk.