ROAD closures are planned ahead of a cull of diseased trees in Herefordshire.

Herefordshire Council said it has made a temporary road closure order to temporarily prohibit vehicles from a number of county roads under its ash dieback tree removal plans.

The council said the closures are needed in order to allow workers to remove trees hit by ash dieback, and due to the likelihood of danger to the public while the works are being carried out.

ALSO READ:

The order will come into force on October 14 and remain in place for a maximum of 18 months, Herefordshire Council said, although the works are expected to be completed within around six months. 

Definitive dates and times will be notified by on-site advanced warning signs, while diversion routes will be signposted locally and published online at One.Network.

The roads affected by this order are:

  • A438 Falcon Lane
  • A449 Old Gore to Ledbury
  • A449 Ledbury to Eastnor turn
  • A449 Chances Pitch
  • A466 from A49 to Monmouthshire boundary
  • A4103 from Hereford to Storridge
  • A438 from A449 to Hollybush
  • A4112 from Orchard Cottage to Woonton Lane
  • A4112 from A4111 to A44
  • A4137 from St Owens Cross to A40
  • A417 from Bodenham to Trumpet
  • A417 from Ledbury bypass to Gloucestershire boundary
  • A465 from Ruckhall Lane to B4349
  • A465 from A4013 to Bromyard
  • A44 from Barons Cross to A4100 
  • A44 from Headbrook roundabout to C1081

What are your thoughts?

You can send a letter to the editor to have your say by clicking here.

Letters should not exceed 250 words and local issues take precedence.

What is ash dieback?

Ash dieback, first identified in the UK in 2012, can slowly kill trees, leading to shedding of limbs or even entire trees falling.

It is caused by a fungus called Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. It originated in Asia and spread due to the movement of plants as part of the global trade.

The fungus spreads quickly as its spores are windborne.

Herefordshire Council said earlier this year that it would be spending £315,000 over the next four years dealing with the disease.