25/08/2026
📌 I was concerned to visit a resident again to hear the latest update on an issue that has been ongoing for many years, but sadly still has not reached a satisfactory resolution.
The concern relates to several very large trees overhanging the resident’s garden and home from the adjoining park. Given that trees have already fallen within the park, it is entirely understandable that the resident is now seriously concerned about the safety of their own home and worried about the possibility of another tree, or large branch, falling onto their property.
I fully recognise the importance of protecting trees and maintaining our green spaces, and I want to see our trees managed responsibly. However, there has to be a sensible balance between protecting our environment and ensuring the safety of residents and their properties.
The resident has already experienced branches falling into their garden, with fallen branches damaging their car and others landing on the roof of their shed. With three substantial trees overhanging the home, and a history of trees falling in the park, I believe these concerns deserve proper and urgent attention.
There is also a wider question of consistency. Homeowners with overhanging trees can be advised that they have a responsibility to mitigate risks and cut trees back where necessary. It is therefore reasonable for residents to ask whether the same principle of risk assessment and mitigation is being applied where trees from council-owned land overhang private properties.
The Council has a duty of care to properly consider foreseeable risks to residents and property, and I hope that can be done constructively and with the resident’s concerns at the heart of the process.
There are also additional concerns around fire risk, particularly following the recent fires we have experienced. Large trees, fallen branches and vegetation close to homes can create additional risks during prolonged hot and dry weather, so I believe these factors should also form part of any assessment.
I will be following this up with the Council and asking whether a new assessment can be undertaken, what action can be taken to mitigate the risk of further damage, and, most importantly, how the safety of this resident and their home can be properly addressed.
This is not about removing trees unnecessarily. It is about responsible management, consistency and making sure that residents feel safe in their own homes.
This issue has gone on for far too long, and residents should not have to live with ongoing anxiety about the safety of their home while waiting years for a meaningful resolution.
I will continue to work with the resident and press the Council for answers and, hopefully, a satisfactory and practical solution that reduces the future risk.
