Trail reopens after tree felling works finish early

A popular trail in the Peak District has reopened earlier than expected after it was shut for tree felling and maintenance work.

The Monsal Trail closed on weekdays from 6 January for safety reasons, and was due to be shut fully or in specific sections for six weeks.

This was while about 1,500 trees with ash dieback disease were felled and fencing was installed to support a stretch of "dilapidated" dry stone walls.

The Peak District National Park Authority said on Friday: "Due to recent tree safety and maintenance work being completed around two weeks ahead of schedule, the full through-route of the Monsal Trail will be available once again from this weekend."

The authority added: "Contractors may occasionally be present completing smaller tasks [whilst the route remains open], please follow any instruction or signage on site.

"Monsal Head woodland remains closed."

Days after the work started earlier this month, the authority issued a safety warning after dozens of people accessed the trail while it was closed.

Now the Thornhill Trail - which runs from the north of Thornhill Lane to Yorkshire Bridge - is due to close on Monday until 14 February on weekdays only.

The authority said this was also for public safety while essential ash dieback management, including tree felling across the route itself and timber removal, was carried out.

Carr Lane Car park will also be closed from 10 to 14 February.

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