Last Preston Park twin elm tree infected with elm disease

The remaining Preston Park Twin, believed to be 400 years old, has become infected with elm disease.

It comes after the other twin was cut down after the deadly Dutch elm disease reached its roots.

It was sacrificed two years ago to try and save its twin.

Brighton and Hove City Council are carrying out emergency work to try and stop the spread of the disease and save the historic tree.

Councillor Amy Heley, chairwoman of the council's environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: "This is extremely sad news as the Preston Park twins are not only historic, but are a very important part of the city's cultural heritage.

• READ MORE: Trees in Coldean Woods to be felled after elm disease infection

"They have been much loved for centuries and are as treasured now by residents as they were hundreds of years ago.

"Our arboriculturists are all experts in their field, and I know they will do everything in their power to save the remaining twin, but sadly we cannot guarantee its survival."

The infection caught hold of a large limb within the canopy of the famous tree.

The Preston Park Twins in the late 1800s

As of now the remaining twin has no sign of infection in its roots.

The tree has since been girdled - removing a section of bark around the circumference of the tree - to try and stop the disease from spreading.

However, there is no guarantee that girdling the tree will save it as the risk of the disease spreading will continue until the end of its growing season and possibly into the coming years.

Smaller infected branches have also been removed, and the girdled limb will also be fully removed once elm disease season has finished this year.

• READ MORE: Hundreds of trees to be cut down over disease fears

The season should end within the next two or three weeks, depending on the weather.

However, hotter weather helps the disease thrive.

Tree experts suspect that the disease was spread via beetles causing an aerial infection.

The Preston Park elms are believed to have been planted 400 years ago, when James I was on the throne and Shakespeare's plays were first being performed.

Have you got a story for us? Email news@theargus.co.uk or contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.

You can also call us on 01273 021 400.