Posted on: Friday 10 February 2023
Five temporary road closures will be in place over the next few weeks to allow for the safe removal of diseased trees along main road corridors in Torfaen.
Throughout the country, Common Ash trees have become infected with Ash Dieback disease, gradually killing the trees, making them unstable and being liable to lose limbs and eventually fall. A prioritise programme of works is being undertaken to reduce risks to the public, by removing diseased trees, whilst at the same time cutting back anything within 2metres of road edges.
The majority of the work will be carried out at night to minimise disruption to residents and motorists. Most of the areas concerned are not close to residential property, but for those who do live near to areas subject to these works, the contractors will make every effort to minimise any noise disturbance. The Council apologises in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.
All trees removed will be chipped on site and taken away to be recycled.
The work is being carried out now before bird nesting season, on the advice of Torfaen Council’s ecologist. The contractors will also check for any evidence that birds have started nesting early before any trees are removed.
Councillor Mandy Owen, Executive Member for the Environment, said: “We don’t like removing trees unless we really have to because of the many benefits they offer.
“Unfortunately, a large number of ash trees along a number of roads have become unstable due to Ash Dieback so we have to remove them to keep the highway and highway users safe.
"Due to the nature of Ash Dieback we aren’t sure precisely when branches will start falling off so we are being proactive to ensure the safety of road users.
“The removal of these trees will stimulate growth of the other species that are left, resulting in the tree canopy being replaced over a few years. In such instances, it would not be necessary to replant the lost trees. However, if large gaps are created, we may look to plant new trees of an appropriate species. This may be the case along Foundry Road, where a significant area of woodland is affected.
“We know how passionate some of our residents are about biodiversity so I want to assure you that the decision to remove these trees along Cwmbran Drive has not been an easy one.”
Find out more about Ash dieback here.
The following road closures will be in place:
Cwmbran Drive
Sunday 19 – Friday 24 February, between 8pm and 6am, Cwmbran Drive A4051 will be closed from the southernmost point near Rougement School to the Henllys Way/Cwmbran Stadium roundabout, and between the Parkway roundabout and Henllys Way roundabout.
Cwmavon Road
Wednesday 22 February – Friday 3 March, various of sections between Pontypool and Blaenavon will be closed between 8pm and 6am
Hafodrynys Road
Monday 20-31 March Various sections between Pontypool "boat" roundabout and the Torfaen/Caerphilly boundary, between 8pm and 6am.
Whilst works are ongoing, the above roads will be closed for periods within the times stated, with diversions in place and access available at all times for residents and businesses in the closed zones as necessary.
The contractor will be using part of the Trosnant Street Car Park Pontypool to store tree chippings. Although most of the areas are not close to residential properties, there are a small number of houses that are close where people may hear some noise. Whilst the contractors involved will make every possible effort to keep noise to a minimum, where this is unavoidable, we apologise for any disturbance caused.