We are responsible for trees on the public highway in East Sussex. Unfortunately there is no cure for Dutch elm disease and no way of saving infected trees. So where we come across infected trees we sadly have to cut them down and burn the timber to limit the spread of this disease.
Dutch elm disease has killed millions of elm trees in the UK since its arrival in 1971. A control zone was set up in partnership with local authorities in 1973 to limit the spread of the disease in East Sussex and the surrounding area
Each authority is responsible for felling infected elms on land that it owns or controls. In the rural area between Eastbourne and Brighton, the South Downs Joint Committee carries out control work on behalf of private landowners with the landowners making a 50% contribution towards the costs.
Further information
Figures are approximate. We spent around £18,000 last year felling infected trees. Ten years ago that figure would have been around £6,000.
Affected areas in the county include Seaford, Lewes, Litlington, Jevington, Willingdon and Newhaven. At least 30 trees have been infected so far this year, mainly within Seaford, and these will have to be felled with work already commenced. Currently, approximately three newly infected trees are being found on a daily basis.
Reference:
2916
Contact the press team
East Sussex County Council