A PLAN to boost Winchester district's trees, amid fears of the spread of ash dieback and other diseases, has been approved by civic chiefs.

The city council cabinet has agreed a tree strategy that will see an extra £66,000 spent annually and a new post created for a tree surveyor in 2024-25.

A Cabinet report stated that 90 per cent of ash trees in the district could be gone by 2030.

It also stated that the council owns around 32,000 trees. Diseased ash trees are being felled on St Giles Hill.

READ MORE HERE: Ash trees in Winchester district under threat

There are other emerging threats. Oak processionary moths, pests of oaks, have been spotted in Ampfield, said Ivan Gurdler, principal tree officer, told the Cabinet. The council is liaising with the Forestry Commission.

Mr Gurdler added: "Losing ash we now realise the value of sycamore. We regarded it as a weed but not now."

The council was also planting elms that are resistant to the disease that wiped out thousands of trees starting in the 1970s.

The council's only green member Cllr Malcolm Wallace said the authority needed to be planting more trees not just managing the ones they have.

Cllr Margot Power said elms has been planted in Ash Close in Alresford which had caused confusion. She called on councils to look into having foster carers for young trees, members of the public who could water saplings in the crucial first three years.

Cllr Kelsie Learney, portfolio holder for climate emergency, said the aim was to expand coverage: "Trees are incredibly important for people. We are looking to increase the tree coverage in the district. we welcome initiatives by Hampshire County Council and to discuss how that will meld with our own plans."