Wiltshire Council will close a section of the A4 near Marlborough between 9am-10pm daily throughout January 21 - 26 to allow Forestry England to safely remove roadside ash trees which are suffering from chalara dieback.

During the works the Grand Avenue will also be closed, with access for residents only.

Those using Savernake Forest for their daily exercise should use Postern Hill car park until works are completed.

The affected area is on the A4, Mildenhall from its junction with Amity Drive and Ashdale Firs Road.

The closure and diversion route will be clearly indicated.

When chalara infects a tree, its condition and stability can deteriorate very quickly, leading it to drop branches or fall altogether.

Rob Cullen, Forestry England Beat Forester for Wiltshire, explains: “

“Around 80 trees showing infection were recorded and identified on the ground using spray paint and monitored.

“We will use a variety of methods for felling. Some of the felled trees will likely be used as firewood. Some trees that are set back slightly from the carriageway will be pollarded to stop the risk of falling limbs, while still providing crucial habitat for species such as woodpeckers and bats. Other trees more advanced in their decay will be felled and left on the forest floor to provide important dead wood habitat.”