We will need to carry out some urgent tree works for the management of Ash Dieback in Torquay next week.

Works are planned to start on Monday 6 April at Hele Road Torquay with a temporary road closure. Once this site is completed, works will then begin at Penny’s Hill Torquay with a further road closure.

Councillor Mike Morey, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Environment and Culture for Torbay Council, said: “The routes are essential for key worker access and therefore the trees require work to keep the route open and safe.

“Although all non-essential work is suspended due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, this work does need to happen and will be carried out whilst adhering to the government’s social distancing guidelines as most of us are being asked to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”

A few months ago the ‘My Tree, My Responsibility’ campaign was launched jointly in Devon and Torbay to encourage landowners to look out for signs of Ash Dieback on their trees and ensure it is dealt with. Although routine tree work has been suspended, if there is an urgent need to deal with Ash Dieback for safety reasons then it should still be dealt with. Otherwise such work should be postponed until after the COVID-19 social distancing restrictions are lifted.

There is more information on the how to manage Ash Dieback page.