Via Gellia stretch to close for tree removal work

Another road closure has been planned along a busy route in Derbyshire so further tree removals can take place.

Derbyshire County Council said it would remove trees suffering from ash dieback along the A5012 Via Gellia Road, between Cromford and Newhaven, starting from Monday. The work is expected to be completed by 28 February.

During that time, a stretch between the Woodside Cafe, near the Bonsall junction and the Grangemill B5056, will be closed on weekdays from 08:00 to 16:00.

The council said there would also be a short-term closure of the road from Cromford to Bonsall towards the end of February.

Signed diversions will redirect drivers via the A6 Matlock Bath, A6 Matlock, A6 Darley Dale, A6 Bakewell, A6 Taddington, A6 Blackwell, A5270, A515 Newhaven, A5012 to Grangemill.

Charlotte Hill, cabinet member for potholes, highways and transport, said: "Felling diseased ash trees by the roadside is a priority for safety reasons and we ask for the public's understanding while we carry out this vital work.

"We apologise for traffic disruption and road closures but public safety must come first.

"Declining ash trees can pose a danger to people and property. Recent storms and high winds resulted in some diseased trees falling into the road which is why we have accelerated our programme to remove them.

"We'll work to complete the work as quickly as possible and we'll do all we can to minimise disruption to road users and local businesses."

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