Health and safety risk tree works upcoming

There are some major tree works to be carried out next month in the Lodge Park Ward of the Borough.

Essential works are coming along Holloway Drive, within the barrier bed to the rear of St Bedes Middle School boundary.

The work is primarily to remove Poplar trees along the fence line of the school due to health and safety issues related to their decline due to age and pest damage.

Two Poplar trees have fallen in the previous 18 months in the same area, so it is imperative work is done to prevent further risk.

Whilst working at the site, teams will also take the opportunity to remove Ash trees that are infected with Ash Dieback.

Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Biodiversity, Cllr. Jen Snape, said: “The safety of our residents, especially children, must always take priority over everything else, but decisions to fell trees are not being taken lightly.”

“The trees in question are very close to the boundary of the school as well as being already damaged by hornet moth larvae which ultimately kills the tree. We cannot risk them falling whilst children, staff or parents will be onsite, therefore the works must be carried out immediately whilst we have the window of opportunity that the summer holidays affords us.”

Ash Dieback (or Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) is a serious fungal disease that affects Ash trees. It causes leaf loss, branch dieback, and ultimately tree death.

Infected trees can become structurally weakened, posing a public safety risk due to falling branches or even entire trees. While the disease itself does not affect humans or animals, it is important that we take action to prevent potential safety hazards.

The exact start date is yet to be confirmed but the work will start in August during the school summer break, for safety reasons, and it is estimated to take around two to three weeks.

Cllr Snape added: “I am aware that trees are an emotive topic for many residents in Redditch and have been listening to residents' concerns about recent tree-felling works. With this in mind, I arranged a cross-party site visit with senior officers, so that all councillors were given the opportunity to ask questions on behalf of their residents, about these upcoming planned works." 

“In addition to this, I will be working with officers in the next few weeks to produce a comprehensive FAQ document to answer all residents' questions openly and in detail on all upcoming tree works.”

We understand that any work like this may prompt questions, so if you would like more information about the tree removals, please contact our team at: tree-enquiries@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk