Town Council Removes Ash Trees Affected by Dieback and Urges Residents to Report Tree Concerns

Hailsham Town Council has recently carried out essential tree removal works on Council-owned land following the identification of trees affected by ash dieback disease.

The works have taken place at several locations across Hailsham, including Hailsham Country Park, Wentworth Wood and the buffer zones at Coopers Way.

The affected trees were identified during a survey by the Council’s tree surveyor, who recommended that they be removed at an early stage to help reduce the risk of dead or weakened trees becoming a safety hazard.

Ash dieback is a serious disease affecting ash trees, which can cause branches and trees to become structurally unsafe. The Council’s approach is to monitor affected trees and take appropriate action where removal is considered necessary.

Cllr Dave Chapman, Chair of the Town Council’s Assets Management Committee, said: “The recent removal works are an important part of our responsibility to manage trees on Town Council-owned land safely and responsibly. We recognise the value that trees bring to Hailsham’s parks, open spaces and woodland areas, but where trees become diseased, damaged or unsafe, we have to take appropriate action.”

“The survey work carried out by our tree surveyor allows us to identify trees that may present a future risk and deal with them before they become a danger to the public. We will continue to monitor our trees and take professional advice where necessary to ensure our green spaces remain safe, attractive and well managed.”

Operations & Facilities Manager, Tony Lee added: “Residents can play an important role in helping us monitor the condition of trees across Hailsham. If you notice a dead, diseased, damaged or potentially dangerous tree on Town Council-maintained land, we would encourage you to report it so that it can be assessed.”

“Early reporting can help us identify potential problems and, where necessary, arrange for further inspection or remedial works. This is particularly important in areas where trees are close to paths, roads, recreation areas or other facilities used by the public.”

How to report a tree concern

Hailsham Town Council’s Tree Warden, Sam Spiers, helps the Council monitor local trees and provides advice on tree-related matters.

Sam is an experienced arboriculturist and is responsible for notifying the Town Council of potential threats to trees, including disease, vandalism and illegal building works, as well as advising the Council on tree policies and preservation orders.

Tree Wardens are volunteers appointed by parish councils or other community organisations. They gather information about local trees, become involved in community tree matters, and help monitor and protect trees and woodland areas.

Residents who notice dead, diseased, damaged or dangerous trees in Hailsham’s public open spaces, or damage or vandalism affecting protected trees, are encouraged to report their concerns.

To report a tree concern on public land in Hailsham, call 07812 910957 or email townandcountrytrees@hotmail.co.uk. Residents are asked to provide the location of the tree and, where possible, a brief description of the concern so that it can be assessed appropriately.

Hailsham Town Council will continue to monitor trees on its land and undertake necessary inspection, maintenance and removal works to help keep the town’s public spaces safe, healthy and welcoming for residents and visitors.