Residents may see some disruption in the New Year as maintenance work to trees across Winyates takes place.

Throughout January, Redditch Borough Council’s contractors, Swiftwell, will be undertaking tree maintenance in Kinnersley Close, Lingen Close, Mordiford Close, Fownhope Close, Dolben Lane, and Winforton Close.

The maintenance work will involve pruning back away from buildings, crown lifting lower branches and crown thinning to allow more light into the affected properties. A number of trees will also need to be felled, predominantly Ash trees, which are suffering from or showing symptoms of Ash Dieback, a disease which is spreading among UK Ash trees and the only option is removal. Other tree removals are due to the tree being in decline or dead. Any trees which are removed will be replanted with another, more suitable species at a later date.

As general maintenance work is ideally carried out in the autumn/winter period whilst the trees are in dormancy and have no leaves, it can sometimes appear quite harsh. However, undertaking the work at this time of the year minimises the impact on the wildlife habitat the trees offer, especially nesting birds.

Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services, Cllr Aled Evans, said: “This important work may initially appear brutal but come spring we, and the local wildlife, will begin to see the benefits of the pruning and tree removal.

“Tree removal is always a last resort for us, but unfortunately many of the Ash trees in this area are infected with Ash Dieback, a particularly dreadful tree disease. To stop Ash Dieback spreading to other healthy trees, we need to act now.

“Not only will the removal work help stop the spread of Ash Dieback, but it will also protect the safety of residents as diseased or dead trees can be very hazardous, particularly during storms or strong winds. To offset the removal of these trees we will be planting new trees.

“Thank you to all the affected residents for their patience whilst the work takes place. We apologise for any inconvenience the work may cause.”

The works will begin in Kinnersley Close from January 3 and are expected to end in Winforton Close by January 27. This is subject to weather conditions.

For more information about the works please contact the Tree Team on 01527 881188 or email tree.enquiries@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk