Diseased trees cut down in Aldermaston

Wasing Estate was due to fell 70 diseased poplar trees near the A340 this week on behalf of West Berkshire Council

AN AVENUE of 70 diseased poplar trees are being cut down near the A340 in Aldermaston this week, making way for a new cycle path to be constructed.

Wasing Estate is felling the trees on behalf of West Berkshire Council this week, coinciding the felling with a road closure that is in place to allow Thames Water to carry out work in the area, because the trees “could become a risk”.

West Berkshire Council spokesman, Phil Spray, said the cycle path would reduce the impact on drivers using the A340, adding that the council had been waiting for an opportunity to remove the trees because they had been diseased for some time.

He added that the removal of the trees would enable the council to start construction on a new 1.5km cycle path between Aldermaston Village and the Wharf, which executive councillor for highways and transport, David Betts (Con, Purley) said would be better for cyclists.

Mr Betts said: “It is important to protect the safety of road users.

“These trees are so diseased that they could become a risk at any time so removal is the best course of action.

“I look forward to the completion of the new cycle path, which will be a safer route for cyclists travelling between the village and the wharf.”

The cycle route is being funded using a development contribution from the Atomic Weapons Establishment and Mr Spray said that work is expected to start on the route in the spring, with the cycle path set for completion sometime during next summer.

The council said that once the new cycle path was completed, it would plant and maintain new trees in a similar location.