Plummer’s Lane (B3135) near Cheddar to reopen as diseased trees removed

Somerset County Council's (SCC) Highways Team and partner agencies have been clearing dead and dying trees bordering Plummer's Lane (B3135).

There were 250 trees targeted that were affected by ash dieback. Diseased and dying trees have to be cut down so they do not fall into the carriageway.

“As the Highways Authority doing nothing is simply not an option – we have to act swiftly to remove diseased trees from the roadside,” said Cllr John Woodman, SCC’s cabinet member for Highways and Transport.

“The loss of this beautiful woodland in our county is a real blow but we have to put the safety of the public and road users first – this is a national problem affecting local authorities across the UK.”

An ecological assessment undertaken prior to any works and all necessary steps are taken to prevent disturbance to the remaining habitat.

Thousands of trees have been felled across the county over the last 12 months - including recently at Bristol Hill near Wells.

READ MORE: A39 at Bristol Hill, Wells, closed for nearly two weeks to cut down trees

Ash dieback is a fungus that will kill or seriously affect more than 95 per cent of ash trees.