AN URGENT planning bid has been submitted to Scottish Borders Council for the felling of seven diseased trees in a Peebles woodland that pose “considerable risk” to the public.

The lime and ash trees at Craigerne Woods in Edderston Road are in a poor state, a planning bid outlines.

One of the trees is leaning towards and is in striking distance of a neighbouring property, according to the submission.

The trees have not been removed before now due to a dispute with neighbours, which has now been resolved, the bid states.

A total of 75 individual trees have been inspected with seven trees recommended for felling. Many of the trees found within this area are dead or are in ‘terminal decline’.

A submission with the application, on behalf of London-based Barnardos, states: “The ash trees, because of ash dieback, are in various stages of decline.

“The presence of this fungi is strongly associated with increased likelihood of tree failure due to the erosion of the tensile strength.

“The reasons and issue is that a number of trees are located towards areas of considerable risk to pedestrians, to property and to vehicles, both within the development and towards third parties.”