Possible disease in privet hedge??

smellor86

Any advice would be great

Our privet hedge has as a gap that seems to have died back. On the inner branches there are white patches not sure what this is and when i have broken any of the branches they have been really soft?!
There is some new growth in the surrounding area and not all branches are affected but hopefully the pictures give an idea of the problem we have.
What should i do to treat/help?

nutcutlet

The white is a fungus but unlikely to be the cause of death. Fungus moves into dead wood and is part of the natural process of decay.

smellor86

Thanks nutcutlet makes me feel less worried. The pictures don't show that there are branches hanging over from next doors tree so wonder if lack of light or a root could be an issue. But was concerned when I saw the white it was diseased. 

nutcutlet

It's a hard life, being a hedge. People keep cutting off new healthy growth and leaving the old stuff. Cut out all the dead, you'll probably find it's one complete plant. It may be the beginning of the end for the hedge but if you're lucky the two sides will grow in.