A DEADLY disease is threatening to wipe out some of Bury's oldest and largest poplar trees.

More than 300 have already fallen victim to the killer poplar scab for which there is no known cure.

Bury Council and Red Rose Forest report that the disease has already left dead and dying trees right across the borough, particularly in parks and green spaces.

The trees affected are the commonly known "Manchester poplar" -- one of our rarest native trees and Greater Manchester's own species.

Experts fear that if the disease is left unchecked, it could spell the extinction of the Manchester poplar.

Poplar scab is a rare disease which causes the defoliation of trees in the middle of summer, meaning the tree weakens over a period of two or three years, eventually resulting in its death. Other symptoms include the appearance of unsightly black lesions on the leaves and the shrivelling of the tree.

Said Dr David Rose, from Forest Research and an expert in the disease: "The problem of poplar scab is certainly a major one in the Red Rose Forest area but has not been found further south. Poplar scab is regarded as a rare disease in the UK, so I am anxious to determine whether it is the sole problem affecting these trees or whether any other fungi are involved."

With no known cure, the only measure available to local authorities to curb the disease is the felling of diseased trees as soon as symptoms show. This action will also mean that dead and rotting trees are removed before there is any chance of them becoming hazardous to the general public, as roots and limbs weaken.

Felling of diseased trees has already begun. Some poplars in Nuttall Park and Springwater Park have been removed and there are plans to take out a further 50-60 this winter.

Councillor Mike Connolly, Bury Council executive member for environment and transport, said: "The loss of so many poplar trees to the landscape of Bury is a major concern. This disease has been in the borough for several years, slowly infecting poplar trees. Where possible the council has replanted new trees in Springwater Park, Woodhill Road and Carr Clough, and as the loss of trees increases we will look again at replanting further."

Red Rose Forest is working closely with Bury Council to propose a programme of replenishment and planting schemes, which will help to rectify the environmental damage that poplar scab will cause.

Anyone concerned about a poplar tree should contact the tree and woodland department at Bury Council on 0161 253 5353.