The 17,000 elm trees in Brighton and Hove have significance beyond the City.  In the nineties, Dutch Elm disease wiped out millions of trees in the rest of the country, but the work of local experts meant many of our trees survived.

We now have the largest substantial group of elms in the country.  So when I learned that four trees on Old Steine Gardens were infected I urgently contacted council officials for information about action being taken.  Sadly, these trees will have to be chopped down to prevent further spread of the disease.

While the Council is working hard to protect local elms, the bigger picture is that we need action at a national level to combat tree disease.  Last week I tabled a written question to Defra  to query whether the new Chief Plant Officer will have the necessary powers and funding to ensure that there’s a national strategy in place to stop future epidemics wiping out much loved tree species.

In the meantime, anyone in Brighton and Hove who suspects they may have infected trees should call the Council immediately on 01273 292929 or email Arboriculture@brighton-hove.gov.uk.