Motorists in West Lothian will see road closures on some major routes in the coming weeks as council efforts to tackle Ash Dieback disease step up a gear.
The A706 west from Linlithgow will see full closures as felling operations get under way, the town’s local area committee was told this month.
A condition survey of all the ash trees along the road network managed by West Lothian Council, which started two years ago, has been completed. Once the results have been compiled an update will be published on the Ash Dieback section of the council’s website.
READ MORE: Demolition of notorious West Lothian ghost estate halted after concerning find
However Countryside manager for the Neighbourhood Environment Team's land and Countryside teams Andy Johnston flagged up potential disruption when he spoke to this month’s meeting: “One of the first areas that we are looking at as high risk- where we are going to start felling some trees is on the A706.
“That’s the route out of Linlithgow heading towards the Avon Gorge to Westfield roundabout. There is a plan that we’ll have road closures, full road closures in place in the coming weeks and we’re discussing that with colleagues in roads and transportation in terms of the timing of that because it’s quite lengthy the diversion routes.
“There’ll be implications for people travelling to and from Linlithgow using that particular route.”
A report to the committee said that more than a quarter of the ash trees in the county surveyed again recently were in a worse condition. The majority of those surveyed 71% showed no change in condition and only 4% had shown any improvement.
A report to the committee added: “Observations have shown that the decline in ash trees due to this disease has not been as rapid as seen over the previous two much wetter years.”
Felling began in March. The council carried out initial surveys last year. The council has already committed £265,000 to the initial survey phase, and a further £500,000 in this financial year as felling operations get under way.
It is estimated that the final bill facing the council to tackle Ash Dieback could top £12m in the next 20 years
One of the council’s Tree Inspectors, Wayne Murphy, has been appointed to the new post of Ash Dieback Officer. It is proposed that he will be supported by a new Technical Officer in due course and that the Tree & Woodland Team will be strengthened with the appointment of two apprentices.
Preparations are being made to undertake further remedial work along roads and in well-used public open space over Winter 2022-23. This will be followed by replanting in suitable locations.
READ NEXT:
West Lothian tightens firework sales rules ahead of Bonfire Night
West Lothian Bonfire Night safety concern as people urged to report hazards
Tributes to former West Lothian councillor as colleagues observe minute's silence
West Lothian could cut kettle and microwave use over £2.6m energy bill hike
West Lothian has 30,000 tonnes of salt ready to tackle the harshest winter
