TREES on leafy Leigh street are to be felled over fears they could topple after it was discovered they were “riddled with fungus and disease”.

The ash trees on Vernon Road are set to be cut down by Southend Council after they were found to be suffering from ash dieback. 

The serious disease is killing ash trees across Europe and there are fears the trees could become unstable.  

Labour Southend councillor responsible for the environment, Lydia Hyde, said the council had been left with no other option. 

Damage - Councillor Lydia Hyde said you could see the leaves' being damaged by the disease to the trees hereDamage - Councillor Lydia Hyde said you could see the leaves' being damaged by the disease to the trees here (Image: Lydia Hyde)

 

She said: “The only reason seven trees are to be removed is they are ash trees, because of those diseases, in this case ash dieback, they do need to be cut down as the disease can make them unstable.

Campaigner - Simon GittusCampaigner - Simon Gittus (Image: Green Party)

 

“Unfortunately a lot of trees in this city were planted by the Victorians who loved to plant identical trees along the roads, they also loved big forest trees.

“We do need to take action on the disease, the idea is to replace the seven trees with fourteen new ones and as a mix of trees which are smaller.”

Ms Hyde said if they were found to not be “so riddled with fungus and disease” they would have been kept in place.

 

Councillor - Environment portfolio holder Lydia HydeCouncillor - Environment portfolio holder Lydia Hyde (Image: Submitted)

 

Leigh resident and Green campaigner Simon Gittus has launched a petition to save the trees arguing they are “perfectly healthy.” 

Mr Gittus claims Vernon Road residents were told the trees were “destined for the axe because of planned pavement works”.

But Southend Council disputes this. 

 

Controversial - The seven Ash trees on Vernon RoadControversial - The seven Ash trees on Vernon Road (Image: Lydia Hyde)

 

Mr Gittus said: “Mature trees provide a wide range of benefits to our city, from combating pollution, providing habitats for wildlife, and even improving human mental well-being.

“With our tree canopy coverage already one of the lowest in the UK, we need to be increasing our canopy cover, not axing entire streets.”

Mr Gittus sent the petition to Ms Hyde who said she had sent the petitioners “evidence and extensive photographs” to show the trees needed to be removed. 

Southend Council was contacted for comment. 

To learn more about spotting tree diseases visit here: www.observatree.org.uk/media/1222/15_0043_-one-off-literature-observatree-pest-disease-field-guides-chalara_wip16.pdf