A number of Ash trees in and around Hunt End are set to be felled in the coming months as Redditch Borough Council rolls out its borough-wide programme to tackle Ash Dieback.
The disease, which has spread rapidly across the UK, weakens the structure of Ash trees, making them unsafe even when they still look outwardly healthy. In most cases, removal is the only safe option.
While acknowledging the need to act, Redditch Conservatives are calling on the Council to go further in protecting the town’s natural environment. They are demanding a clear commitment that for every Ash tree removed, two new, more suitable species will be planted in its place.
Cllr Chris Holz (Conservative, Astwood Bank & Feckenham) said:
“While nobody wants to see our trees lost, the threat posed by Ash Dieback is a serious one. Public safety must come first. However, we cannot simply cut down trees and leave our communities bare and we know how important our greenery is to the town. It’s a source of local pride.
“I am calling on the Council to put a clear replacement plan in place, ensuring two new trees are planted for every Ash tree removed. By doing so, we can protect both people and the future of our green spaces.”
Local Conservatives say they will continue pressing for a robust replanting programme designed to strengthen biodiversity, boost sustainability, and safeguard Redditch’s natural beauty for generations to come.
Redditch Council have been asked for comment.
A useful video from the Forestry Commission: How to spot the signs and symptoms of ash dieback
Main Image: Ash tree with ash dieback disease by Patrick Roper. Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.
