RESIDENTS in Bramble Drive, Westbury, are concerned about an overgrown tree, which they say is dangerous and an accident waiting to happen.
“We have reported to Wiltshire Council about a dangerous tree at the end of our road (Bramble Drive) several times and have had less than satisfactory answers about it,” said Mark Crosby, one of the residents.
“The issue is that this tree in particular is overgrown and in such a poor condition that every time we have any wind or even a slight breeze, branches fall off. There is plenty of evidence of this around it on the floor.
“It is so overgrown that it hangs over the road and the pavement and is a danger to both pedestrians and vehicles. It’s only a matter of time before more serious damage is caused.
“Other trees and bushes on this same short stretch of land are also so overgrown that it affects the view of the road and this is also dangerous when trying to pull out of the junction.”
Mark Crosby says he has sent photographs of the tree to Wiltshire Council who say that the land on which the tree is located is not owned or maintained by Wiltshire Council, and therefore they are not responsible. “The issue has been inspected and steps to locate the owner are under way,” said the council in reply to his email. “As soon as the owner is identified, enforcement proceedings will commence.”
However, Mark says this is not good enough. “Work has been carried out on the bushes and trees the other side of the junction in the past, so we can’t understand how the council does not know whose land these trees are on,” he says. “We feel that something needs to be done about this.”
Cllr Dr Mark McClelland, cabinet member for street scene at Wiltshire Council said, “Our local highways team has inspected this tree and found that the tree was not an immediate danger, but given the location the tree would benefit from being pruned.
“The landowner is responsible for pruning the tree, however following our initial investigation ownership is still unclear. We are making further enquiries to find out who the owner is and if this is unsuccessful we will carry out the work required.”
