Marriott’s Way to close for power cable installation and tree felling

The Marriott’s Way is to be closed at Reepham Station between Wood Dalling Road and Kerdiston Road from 9 November to 4 December for power cables to be installed by UK Power Networks.
 

Marriott’s Way diversion route from 9 November to 4 December

 
Norfolk County Council has also asked that during this work the surface of this stretch of the footpath, bridleway and cycle route is made more accessible to cyclists and wheelchair users by adding a layer of fines and sweeping the loose stones from the granite surface that was installed in March.
 
Martin Caplin, Norfolk County Council trails officer, said: “We understand that the closure is inconvenient, but hope people will appreciate that this will result in improved safety and accessibility in the long term.”
 
At the same time, the council intends to close a further section to clear ash dieback-affected trees beyond the allotments.
 
The planned tree work will commence on 16 November and last for around three weeks.
 
The contractors doing the work have assured that the access to the allotments will not be affected.
 
Iestyn Griffith, Norfolk County Council arboricultural and woodland officer, said ash trees on the Marriott’s Way have been susceptible to rapid canopy decline, adding that the areas identified are now in such a condition as to pose a risk to path users and adjacent property.
 
Timber from the work will be temporarily stored on the nearby development land (with the developers’ agreement) before being removed by a timber haulier.
 
There is a single ash tree on the allotment edge that will be reduced in height, but not removed, as it has good wildlife potential.
 
Mr Griffith added: “Although there are a lot of ash trees to be felled (approximately 200 stems), there is a good variety of other tree and shrub species present in this area.
 
“Felling work carried out in previous years has resulted in rapid natural regeneration occurring.
 
“We are not planning to carry out any replanting here as it tends to be out-competed by this natural regeneration process.”

Above: The areas near Reepham Station that will be cleared of ash dieback-affected trees

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