DISEASED trees in Weston Woods are set to be felled – with work starting this week.

The works will remove trees infected with ash dieback on the perimeter of the woods, and will begin on Thursday (November 13), North Somerset Council (NSC) said.

Taking several months to complete, the work will begin along the rear of Cliff Road, where the largest trees are located, before contractors move in from Leewood Road, working west toward Worlebury Camp Hillfort.

They will then move east from Leewood Road, finishing with trees within falling distance of Worlebury Hill Road.

Visitors are being advised parts of the wood where work is taking place will be closed, with contractors on-site for a maximum of a couple of days each week until the end of February/early March.

Traffic management and temporary parking restrictions will be in place during the final phase, near Worlebury Hill Road, with signs in place to explain why certain paths are closed.

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NSC holds a Felling Licence from the Forestry Commission and has obtained an ecology report from a qualified ecologist.

Most felled timber will remain in the woods, and some will be used to create natural barriers, helping close off informal paths and support natural regeneration, the council said.

Councillor Mike Solomon, cabinet member for culture, community services and safety, said: “Ash Dieback is a national problem. Unfortunately, there is no way of stopping the disease and it’s feared it may affect up to 90% of ash trees in Great Britain.

“We don’t take Public Rights of Way closures lightly as we realise the inconvenience and disruption that it inevitably causes.

“Every effort is being made to carry out the works on time and to limit disruption to the local environment, residents, and those who use the woods for recreation.

“Thank you for your cooperation as we work to protect and restore Weston Woods for future generations.”

For more information on Ash Dieback visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/AshDieback.