An environmental project to remove trees affected by ash dieback - and allow the remaining trees to thrive - is currently underway along the A511 between Ashby and Coalville.

Leicestershire County Council says its forestry team, and a contractor working on behalf of the council, are carrying out the vital tree management works along the A511 between the A42 Flagstaff roundabout in Ashby and the Hoo Ash roundabout in Coalville.

The works involve removing dead and dying trees affected by ash dieback.

In addition to felling diseased trees, the team is carrying out proactive woodland management measures, including cutting back and clearing sections of the woodland, to improve the health of the remaining trees and create conditions for new growth. 

To ensure road safety, trees and foliage that obscure road signs and affect visibility are also being trimmed back.

In line with Leicestershire County Council's commitment to sustainability, the local authority says all timber removed during the works will be reclaimed and repurposed, for example, being used as mulch or wood chippings. 

Similar works have already been carried out earlier this year along the A511 from Boundary to Flagstaff along the Ashby bypass. A comprehensive replanting programme is planned to replace the felled trees with native species.

Councillor Blake Pain, cabinet member for environment and the green agenda, said; "Ash dieback is a significant challenge, but through proactive management and replanting with native species, we're maintaining public safety as well as ensuring the long-term health of our local woodlands.

"This work is part of our ongoing efforts to create space for nature and improve natural habitats, and supports our wider environmental pledge to plant 700,000 trees across the county, as we plan to replace felled trees with native species that will enhance biodiversity and help combat climate change." 

The County Council says motorists are advised to drive carefully through the area and follow signage to ensure the safety of workers and the public during this essential work.

Leicestershire County Council adds it is dealing with the ongoing challenge of ash dieback, which has seen thousands of ash trees wiped out across the UK.

The highly destructive disease is caused by a fungus and can lead to infected trees shedding branches or limbs, or potentially falling as the tree dies.

The Council adds there are no exact figures for the number of ash trees in Leicestershire, but it is estimated that there are more than half a million in the county, with around 120,000 of them at the side of roads.