Public meeting to discuss diseased tree felling

A public meeting is being held to discuss the work being carried out to protect a Sussex city's trees from the spread of ash dieback and elm disease.

The meeting on Monday takes place at Hove Town Hall at 16:30 GMT.

Some residents have complained about the disruption as well as the environmental impact of the scheme.

Alan Robins, Brighton & Hove City Council cabinet member with responsibility for the city's parks, said: "We understand the concern and distress the extensive felling work is causing, but the sad reality is we must do it to prevent the spread of disease to hundreds more trees."

Due to increasing levels of ash dieback and elm disease in the city's parks the council said it was having to fell hundreds of trees this spring to prevent the spread.

That includes work in Hollingbury Woods, Coldean Lane, Wild Park and Stanmer Park.

The council said Monday's public meeting was an opportunity to:

• find out from experts about the spread of ash dieback and elm disease and why the trees need to be felled to protect the wider tree population.
• hear about the council's programme for felling trees and plans for conservation and regeneration work.
• ask questions and raise concerns about the work taking place.

Mr Robins said: "Our teams work hard to ensure trees are only removed when we have no other option and to make plans for replanting."

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