Forestry England start work today, Thursday January 21, felling ash trees along the A4 to Hungerford and in the Grand Avenue.
The A4 section on the Hungerford Road will be closed in both directions as follows:
9:00am – 10:00pm on 21 – 22 January
6:00am – 10:00pm on 23- 24 January
9:00am – 7:30pm on 25 – 26 January
The Grand Avenue will be closed as follows:
9:00am – 10:00pm on 21 – 22 January
6:00am – 10:00pm on 23- 24 January
9:00am – 7:30pm on 25 – 26 January
Access will be for residents only during these times. People who live locally can still enjoy Savernake Forest as part of their daily exercise by using Postern Hill cark park during this period.
See map for diversions.
In a statement, Forestry England said, “The closures are due to felling works to remove diseased ash trees. It is really important that we take this step now to avoid the risk of the trees collapsing and presenting an immediate danger to the surrounding area .
Chalara ash Dieback is a serious disease of ash trees, caused by a fungus called Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, which is infecting ash trees across Europe and the UK. The disease affects ash trees by blocking their water transport systems, causing leaf loss, lesions in the wood and on the bark. This leads to the dieback of the tree crown. Trees become brittle over time with branches breaking away from the tree.”
It is unfortunate that these road closures coincide with the four-way traffic lights and road works at the junction of the A4, George Lane and Salisbury Road to be carried out by Thames Water starting on Monday January 25 for 5 days
Town 2021/2 Precept increase held to 3.75% against a very difficult economic climate
