MP raises questions over ash tree disease in Hyndburn (From Lancashire Telegraph)

MP raises questions over ash tree disease in Hyndburn

6:00am Thursday 1st November 2012 in News

A DISEASE affecting ash trees in the UK has seen an MP urge preparation measures.

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones has written to Hyndburn Council for an update on whether there is an impact of the disease in the area. Mr Jones has asked the borough what assessment has been made of the impact locally, how many trees have been inspected, and what contingencies the council has.

Mr Jones sent the questions following DEFRA’s launch of a consultation on whether to ban the import of ash trees and a government ban on ash imports. Movement restrictions will be imposed, so that trees from infected areas, such as East Anglia, will not be able to be moved to other locations in the UK.

He said: “Over 50,000 trees have already been burnt since the disease was found in the UK in February 2012. Denmark has lost 90 per cent of its ash trees due to the disease. If the same happens in the UK it could devastate tree cover, wildlife and the wood services industries.”

Ash trees make up a large proportion of Lancashire woodland.