Fungal infection closes car park

Matthew SparkesA tree with a dangerous fungal infection has forced the closure of a busy car park near a doctor's surgery in Diss.The Caucasian Wingnut tree in the Mount Street car park was found to have been split in two by disease, and experts warned that it could collapse in heavy rain or strong wind.Matthew Sparkes

A tree with a dangerous fungal infection has forced the closure of a busy car park near a doctor's surgery in Diss.

The Caucasian Wingnut tree in the Mount Street car park was found to have been split in two by disease, and experts warned that it could collapse in heavy rain or strong wind.

An exclusion zone of 15 metres was recommended after an inspection by Ravencroft Arboricultural Services, which covers both the entrance and exit roads, making closure the only option.

"The safety of local people is our first concern. And while this is a beautiful tree and the car park is well used, we cannot take risks and go against the strong advice we have received,' said councillor David Bills, South Norfolk cabinet member for environment, health, recycling and safety.

"We apologise for the inconvenience and the short notice, but we would ask people to understand the seriousness of this, and bear with us."

The Mount Street car park will be closed from 6am today, until further notice. South Norfolk Council claims that it will reopen the park as soon as it is safe to do so.