A woman from Gedling has shared her anger after being ignored by Nottinghamshire County Council (NCC) over work to trim back a tree overhanging her garden.
Sally Thornhill, 42, first contacted NCC back in March 2021 as the tree could represent a hazard for her six-year-old son, who suffers from autism and at the time was undergoing cancer treatment.
Sally also raised concerns with the County Council about the tree blocking the light, especially in summer, and the slippery leaves falling in her garden during autumn.
Sally said: “My little boy was very poorly.
“We specifically wanted to do up the garden once he finished his treatment and just make the most of it.
“We were prepared to make that investment but then it would be nice to get use of the light, as well as not have all those slippery leaves everywhere.”
She also said that she had to find out by herself about the ownership of the huge tree.
She said: “It took us a while to find out first who owns the land because the council told me it was not theirs.
“I had to pay the Land Registry 25 pounds and the Land Registry came back with guess what? Nottinghamshire County Council.”
“They then apologised for the misleading information.”
The Gedling mum said work was scheduled to start in late August/September, outside of the bird-nesting season.
She was also told by her main contact, property inspector Vincent Chiverton, that a site visit was carried out on July 7, 2021, on the North boundary and that an arborist would have conducted a survey of the tree.
But Sally said her contact has stopped answering her emails, which she sends almost daily, and that work has not been carried out yet.
Sally said: “My son has finished treatment.
“We’ve got a beautiful garden and the cancer charity bought him a lovely trampoline, which was a huge thing for my son, for the sensory elements.
“We knew the tree would drop its leaves, but we thought going forward, it might just be better.
“But being ignored, it is quite frustrating.
“And the tree is huge. You know, I am not talking like just the middle branch protruding on my side.
“The tree literally blocks out all of our light.
“It would just make our life so much simpler if there was less maintenance coming from this huge tree.
“We are realistic, we understand trees are important.
“They’re not just going to come and take the whole thing down.
“We knew that would be unlikely, but you know, just trimming it back.”
Gedling Eye has approached Nottinghamshire County Council for comment.
I’ve experienced the same with the City Council. An inspector came and informed me that they are not obliged to trim back trees unless the growth is causing damage to fencing etc. As for the hazardous leaves, again, under no obligation as “This is what trees do!” Unquote. The tree and grass cutting services are not a priority fund wise, and due to this they are apparently allowed to make this decision. It was suggested that I could cut back the overhanging branches myself.This may be an option for you?
I believe your son’s illness will not be taken into consideration, so its probably a better idea to move the trampoline to another area, and save yourself the stress.
And the tree was there first I assume but now it’s an inconvenience? And you knew it was there when you bought the property? But you want more light so it’s a great excuse to simply terminate it? NIMBY. It’s always short sighted purchasers who make what little wildlife we have left pay the ultimate price.