VOLUNTEER guardians of a popular beauty spot have spoken of their sadness at moves to fell a swathe of trees at the site.

But the volunteers, from the Friends of St Ives group, say the action by Bradford Council is necessary to remove diseased trees and protect the future of the historic site.

'Larch tree disease', or phytophthora ramorum, has hit a number of trees at the Harden estate.

The council has been instructed by the Forestry Commission to remove the infected species.

Larch and sweet chestnut are most affected, but the highly infectious disease is also hosted by rhododendron.

Clearance work is being carried out at the western side of the estate, between Coppice Pond and Keighley Road, in an area known as Lady Blantyre’s Wood. Some trees will also be removed from Bingley St Ives Golf Club to the north.

Felling operations are expected to begin on March 1 and should be complete within six months.

During the work, the Keighley Road entrance to the site will be closed weekdays but will remain open at weekends. Some footpaths and bridleways will also be closed while forestry operations are in progress.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council's portfolio holder for healthy people and places, says: "We appreciate that the felling will cause some disruption to visitors to St Ives and it will dramatically alter its appearance until regeneration and new planting gets underway. We ask that everyone observes the temporary access restrictions and closures so that work can be completed quickly and safely. Once the felling is complete we will be running a number of community planting days to restock the cleared areas."

Bob Thorp, the council’s senior parks and green spaces manager, says: "The long-term plan for the estate’s woodlands is to convert them back to native broadleaved woods. This also involves removing the blanketing rhododendron cover."

Pam Laking, chair of the Friends of St Ives, said: "It is a sad situation and there will be a lot of upheaval for a while, but the council doesn't have any choice and we are supportive of its actions. Native trees will be planted in place of those removed so in the long term we will have a beautiful indigenous forest for everyone to enjoy."