The scale of the task of fighting the disease affecting ash trees is not yet known, according to the district’s tree officer.

Ash dieback disease, which threatens the UK’s 80 million ash trees, was confirmed last week in South Woodham Ferrers and Frinton.

The disease has not yet been indentified in Braintree district, but it was found in Arger Fen, near Bures, last Tuesday.

A Braintree Council spokesman said: “To date, no cases of Chalara have been identified within the Braintree district.

“Tree and landscape officers are being vigilant for any signs of the disease on site visits to open spaces and woodlands, particularly where they know ash is common.

“We are also working with our volunteer tree wardens and community groups, advising them on what to look for and how to report any suspected cases.”