DIVERSIONS and temporary traffic lights will be put in place on one of the main roads through the Forest as unsafe, diseased trees are removed next week.

The work by crews from Gloucestershire Highways to remove trees affected by ash dieback from the side of the A4136 between Huntley and Mitcheldean is taking place between 9.30am and 3.30pm and expected to finish on Friday (July 8).

Chalara ash dieback causes trees to become brittle and increases the danger of branches breaking off or the tree collapsing.

Access to homes and businesses is being maintained but not from all directions and traffic lights and diversions are in place, says Gloucestershire County Council.

The gateman on site will help with any concerns.

A county council spokesman said: “The county council would like to thank road users and the local community for their patience while crews carry out this important work.”

There are estimated to be between 27,000 and 32,000 ash trees across Gloucestershire.

The disease is caused by a fungus called Hymenoscyphus fraxineus which blocks the tree’s water transport systems, causing leaf loss and causing lesions in the wood and on the bark.

This leads to the dieback of the crown of the tree.

Earlier this year diseased trees were cleared along the A4136 from Mile End to Brierley.

Last month, Forestry England removed trees showing more than 50 per cent crown dieback from along the B4234 between Lydney and Whitecroft.

Gloucestershire County Council says it will replace every tree lost with two new ones.

The council sends wood from the site to biomass power stations to produce electricity.

The ash dieback project was launched in June 202 and 31,801 trees have so far been re-planted either by the county council or on its behalf by parish councils.

Further information about the ash dieback project is available at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/ash-dieback