HUNDREDS of large trees across Leigh are at risk of being killed by a previously rare tree disease, known as 'Poplar Scab'.

The disease causes Manchester Poplars to lose their leaves, even in the middle of summer, and after four years, the trees die.

It is not known what causes the disease and how to stop it, so the trees are being felled to make them safe.

Nine large trees have been felled in the borough so far, with the possibility of many more to come.

Environmental agency, Red Rose Forest, is warning that the disease will have a major impact on areas with these trees, and it is even feared Manchester Poplars could become extinct.

Nigel Blandford, from Red Rose Forest, said: "Poplar Scab has the potential to destroy huge numbers of Poplar trees across the Greater Manchester area.

"However both Red Rose Forest and Wigan MBC are committed to rectifying this damage by planting new trees, with the help of local communities, so that the effect on the region's environment is not irreparable."

The trees are believed to have come from cuttings taken from Blackley Wood, North Manchester. A large number of them were planted during the Industrial Revolution, because they could withstand the high levels of air pollution.

Cllr David Molyneux, Wigan Council's Cabinet Member for the Environment said: "It's a real shame that trees which were first planted to improve our environment during the industrial revolution should be on the point of dying out."