Closure of Coneygar Road in Bridport to cut down tree begins

The mature beech tree on Coneygar Road near Bridport Primary has been found to have the decay-causing fungi meripilus giganteus - also known as giant polypore.

Coneygar Road will be closed for the removal of the trees from today, Monday, January 22 and is expected to be completed by Friday, January  26.

It will be taking place between school hours, 9.30am and 2.30pm.

This closure will enable Knighton Countryside Management safe access to cut down the tree.

Giant polypore causes significant decay to tree roots, making the tree itself unstable. The fungus can be seen fruiting on the tree, which indicates that the roots have become significantly decayed.

Beech trees can grow to a height of 40m and can take decades to mature. Dorset Council plans to replant three or four replacement trees in the area.

A spokesperson for the Bridport Town Council said: "Dorset Council need to remove a mature beech tree from the highway verge located on Coneygar Road.

"This tree is diseased with the decay-causing fungi meripilus giganteus (giant polypore). This fungi is known to cause significant decay to the tree root system rendering the trees very unstable and susceptible to windthrow.

"This fungus is also of particular concern as crown symptoms of root decay are relatively inconspicuous and the tree gives the appearance of being healthy. When the fungus produces fruiting bodies, as in this case, it is an indicator that tree roots have become significantly decayed and the fungi are starting to look on to other host trees.

"Dorset Council will undertake the tree removal works starting on Monday, January 22 and a road closure on 100 metres of Coneygar Road will be in place for up to five days.

"Following the tree removal, Dorset Council plans to replant the area with three or four replacement trees to maintain the county tree stock in the area. Whilst on site they will also remove the dead wood from the adjacent tree."

The alternative route, which will be signposted is as follows: A3066 - B3162 - Victoria Grove.

The closure area is in red, suggested alternative route is in blue (Image: Dorset Council)

For further information about the work being undertaken and access arrangements, call Knighton Countryside Management on 07504 047414.

To discuss the closure notice, contact Dorset Council on 01305 221020.