Brighton and Hove is again having to fell a number of its trees following an outbreak of Dutch elm disease, known also as just Elm disease.

Around 30 larger infected elms are expected to be removed, as well as several smaller elms which have grown from infected roots.

Dutch elm disease is a fungal disease that is spread by elm bark beetles, causing rapid browning, shrivelling and death of elms.

The City Council says the felling is necessary to prevent further spread of the outbreak, which is already reportedly “higher than usual”.

The council warns that should the outbreak not be brought under control, Brighton and Hove’s 17,000 strong elm tree population could suffer significantly.

Councillor Alan Robins, cabinet member for sport and recreation comments on the decision:

“We’re sorry for the impact this loss will have on the people living in Peacock Lane and we’ll do everything we can to minimise the impact.”

The council says new trees will be planted in place of the ones felled.

Brighton and Hove is no stranger to elm disease, having had several outbreaks in the past. The council says this outbreak could be a consequence of infected logs being brought into the city to fuel wood burning stoves.

Earlier this month the city also lost hundreds of its trees at Stanmer Park – Brighton’s largest park – following an outbreak of ash dieback.