Diseased trees to be felled and later replaced

A DOZEN trees in a Northumberland park are set to be felled after being identified as diseased. The trees in Blyth’s Ridley Park are suffering from ash dieback and Dutch elm disease.

- By JAMES ROBINSON

The council say replacement trees will be planted this winter, ensuring at least the same level of tree cover for the park for future generations.

The areas with ongoing felling works will be cordoned off for safety purposes.

In addition, the bulk of the work will be carried out early in the morning, before the park gets too busy.

The trees were identified as part of the council’s year-round tree inspection programme.

Councillor John Riddle, cabinet member for the Environment at Northumberland County Council, said: "Ridley Park is one of the county's most popular award-winning parks and we need to keep it in tiptop condition.

"While we never want to cut trees down, the safety of all visitors is of paramount importance and those that we are taking down are diseased and could pose a risk of collapse if they are not removed in a safe manner.

"While the work areas are clearly cordoned off, we'd always remind visitors to keep clear of the areas where teams are working for everyone's safety.