We used our legal powers to step in and remove more than 100 trees from private land alongside the A6 after a tree came down and hit a car travelling on the road during Storm Claudia last Friday (14 November). It was the third tree to fall on the same plot of land in a matter of a few days.
Work to remove further trees at risk of falling and reduce the risk to public safety has been taking place around the clock since Sunday morning when the road closure was put in place.
Specialist machinery and contractors were brought in to work at pace to clear trees from a steep bank and re-open the road as soon as possible.
Councillor Charlotte Hill, our Cabinet Member for Potholes, Highways and Transport, said:
“I’d like to thank everyone for their patience while we carried out these emergency tree works.
“The A6 is a main route running through Derbyshire and we know the disruption and inconvenience which many people experienced as a result of the road closure.
“I’d like to commend the team who worked on the ground and behind the scenes to complete the work and re-open the road in the shortest time possible. They managed to reduce the risk to public safety and limit the disruption to local businesses, motorists and pedestrians – many of whom faced huge diversions or public transport difficulties on a daily basis while the work was carried out.
“I’d also like to thank local bus operators who diverted bus routes, amended their timetables and put alternative measures in place to ensure as many passengers as possible could continue to travel.”
Councillor Carol Wood, our Cabinet Member for Net Zero and Environment, added:
“The number of invasive tree pests and diseases in the UK is increasing and Ash dieback – a fungal disease affecting ash trees – is one disease currently having a significant impact on the Derbyshire landscape.
“We would urge all landowners to carry out regular inspections of trees on their property, particularly ash trees, and consider the risks posed by the trees to surrounding people and property.
“A tree professional will be able to advise you of the options for removal where necessary and you can find more advice and support on our website.”
Read more about ash dieback.