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| Some of the elms earmarked for felling in the coming weeks |
HISTORIC elms trees on Cleeethorpes seafront are set for the chop.
According to North East Lincolnshire Council, an inspection has revealed that they are "in a state of decline due to the presence of Dutch Elm Disease".
A statement issued this evening reads: "The disease is one of the most serious affecting trees in the world..
"It first came to Britain in the 1920s, killing 10 to 40 percent of all elm trees.
"It then returned in the 1960s when a more aggressive variety of the fungus was accidentally introduced."
The statement continues: "Currently, there are 15 trees which have the disease along the boundary of Kings Road and the Lakeside car park.
"Due to the extent of the infection, eight of them have already been recommended for removal which is expected to take place over the coming weeks and months.
"The other 45 trees in the zone will continue to be monitored and actioned accordingly."
The council says "removal" of the elms will "help to prevent the spread of the infection" and that they will be replaced by trees of a different species.
Portfolio holder for the environment Cllr Stewart Swinburn comments: "It is a terrible shame that these trees have become infected with Dutch Elm Disease.
"However, to prevent the problem from spreading and affecting more trees, the council has no choice but to remove those that are clearly infected."
The disease is spread by a beetle which nibbles its way through the trunk and branches.
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