The A623 will be closed at Middleton Dale from 8am to 5pm each day while private landowners along the stretch carry out essential work to remove trees showing signs of ash dieback, a serious disease that can weaken trees and increase the risk of them shedding branches or collapsing.
Contractors working on behalf of the landowners are removing up to 200 ash trees at risk of falling onto the road and the work has been timed so it can be completed under a single road closure to reduce disruption for residents and road users.
The road closure will be in place between Farnsley Lane and the junction with B6521 The Dale, Eyam, with signed diversions in place when the road is closed via the A619, A6020, A6 and back to the A623.
Councillor Charlotte Hill, Cabinet Member for Potholes, Highways and Transport, said:
“We welcome the co-operation shown in Middleton Dale where private landowners and contractors have scheduled tree-felling together so that disruption to road users is kept to a minimum while essential work is carried out to keep road users safe.”
We continue to contact landowners across the county where trees present a risk to road safety and many, including those in Middleton Dale, have responded proactively by commissioning their own qualified contractors to carry out the necessary work.
In a small number of cases where no response has been received, we have begun enforcement action as a last resort to remove trees posing a danger to people or property – and will seek to reclaim the costs of removal from the landowner.
Councillor Carol Wood, Cabinet Member for Net Zero and Environment, added:
“Private landowners are reminded that trees on their property are their responsibility and they’re advised to monitor ash trees on their land and seek professional advice if they notice signs of ash dieback disease.
“Reputable tree contractors can be found through our Trusted Trader scheme or through the Arboricultural Association’s list of approved contractors and details can be found on the our website at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/ashdieback.
“Where trees are on council land, we’re carrying out surveys to identify high risk trees, monitoring or removing them depending on their surroundings, and retaining healthy or disease resistant trees wherever possible.”
Ash dieback is now widespread across the UK. It is expected to affect between 50% and 90% of ash trees over the coming years.
Anyone concerned about the safety of a tree next to a road, public path, or other public place can report it via www.derbyshire.gov.uk/ashdieback. Where a tree is not on council land, we will notify the appropriate landowner where possible.