A tree ailment has delayed the motor rally, which is planned and anticipated to captivate thousands of viewers to south Wales. An infection called Phytophthora ramorum has spread in the jungles adjoining Resolven and Rhondda, which are on route of the Swansea Bay Rally.

This bug is also called ‘sudden oak death’, which can destroy a lot of trees with its effects, and can also multiply itself by tree needles and soil that are clutched to people or automobiles. This contagious and harmful infection has therefore hindered the rally, which was planned to begin and end outside Swansea Museum on 17 July.

The infection was tested and it has now been confirmed in Japanese larch trees in woodland, which is supervised by Forestry Commission Wales. Also, it has been found in the Afan Valley near Port Talbot, in Garw Valley near Bridgend, and the Vale of Glamorgan.

Forestry Commission Wales District Forest Manager, Dai Jones said, “We are treating the outbreak of Phytophthora ramorum in south Wales very seriously and we are determined to minimize the impacts of this disease on woodlands. We hoped that, by working with the rally organizers, we could identify an alternative route but, as this has not been possible at this time, we look forward to welcoming the event back in future”.