One of the Preston Park Twins must be chopped down

The trees, known as The Twins, have stood in Brighton's Preston Park for about 400 years.

But one of the ancient elms, which began its life during the reign of King James I, has contracted the deadly Dutch Elm Disease and must be felled to save its twin.

And the council has warned the city may face further cases of the disease.

It is urging people with concerns to come forward, and is running a free firewood and tree inspection service.

Peter Bourne, national elm collection voluntary curator, said the felling of the tree, which survived the Dutch Elm plague of the 1970s and the hurricane of 1987, was very sad.

He said: “They are the largest in Europe, all the other veterans are long since gone.

“After it was damaged in a 2017 storm, children came up to me in tears saying you’re not going to cut it down, are you?

“It’s a very popular tree.”

It is believed the tree became infected last summer but had not displayed any symptoms until now.

The disease is already in the tree’s root system and action is required to stop it spreading to its twin.

Trenches have now been dug to sever the connecting roots that link the trees together.

PICTURE: Peter Bourne

Every summer a battle is waged across the city against a tiny beetle carrying a deadly elm tree killing fungus known as Elm Disease or Dutch Elm Disease.

Mr Bourne said elm logs are being brought into the city carrying the beetle, which is helping the disease spread.

The council says the current hot weather is making further cases of diseased elms likely.

It is urging residents to report any sick looking trees immediately so it can respond quickly.

And it is offering a free inspection of firewood and other timber.

Councillor Anne Pissaridou, chairwoman of the environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “It is very sad that we have lost one of the magnificent Preston Park Twins to the disease this year.

“For many years, we have fully funded an internationally recognised control campaign to contain the spread of elm disease in the city.

“Our success has led to the city becoming the holder of the National Elm Collection and the last major bastion of the Elm in the UK.

“Overall, losses to elm disease have been manageable throughout the years and our elm population is always being added to.

“We thank residents for their continued support in spotting and reporting cases of elm disease which helps us act quickly to treat trees and reduce contamination.”

If you have an elm tree in your garden that may be dead or dying, the council will inspect it free of charge.

Contact the team on 01273 292929 or email arboriculture@brighton-hove.gov.uk.