A CASE of a killer disease that has swept across Europe has been reported in the district.

Chigwell Meadows, near Grange Farm off the High Road is likely to be one of nearly 300 sites across the country infected with ash die back disease, according to a council document.

Epping Forest District Council will be told at its next meeting that five young trees are suspected to have the fungal infection, which causes leaf loss and can lead to tree death.

A report said: “There is a likely but as yet unconfirmed case involving five ash saplings at Grange Farm, Chigwell.

“This brings home the reality of the situation, which is that the disease is already widespread in young trees across the country.”

But Rob Draper, who manages the Grange Farm Centre, an outdoor activity centre where several sports clubs are based, said: “It’s nothing to panic about.

“We’ve found a few new whips (young saplings) with it and we’re just waiting for the Forestry Commission to get back to us.”

He said the commission would recommend a course of action after it had met to discuss the case.

He believes the trees were planted as part of the regeneration of Chigwell Meadows, which started about three years ago.

The report, which is due to be read before the full council on Monday (December 18), said another group of saplings recently planted in Theydon Bois by the Woodland Trust was not thought to be affected.

Information on how many trees survive the disease is varied, with Denmark reporting a five per cent survival rate and Poland a 20 per cent rate.