URGENT REPORT – Tree Stump Causing Imminent Damage to Highway and Grade II Listed Wall

URGENT REPORT – Tree Stump Causing Imminent Damage to Highway and Grade II Listed Wall

I am writing to formally report a serious and escalating issue concerning a tree stump that was left behind after the felling of a tree several months ago. Despite the removal of the tree itself, no action has been taken to address the remaining stump, which is now actively decaying and spreading rot into the surrounding ground.

This ongoing neglect is not only unsightly and negligent, but it is also posing a direct threat to public infrastructure and heritage assets:

Road Damage: The stump has begun to destabilise the immediate area of the highway. The decaying root system is compromising the ground's integrity, risking subsidence and deformation of the road surface, which could lead to dangerous conditions for both vehicles and pedestrians. Grade II Listed Wall at Risk: Most critically, the stump is situated in close proximity to a Grade II listed wall, a structure of national heritage importance. The rot is now undermining the foundations of this historic wall. If urgent action is not taken, there is a real and immediate risk of irreversible structural damage, collapse, or the need for costly specialist repairs – all of which would be entirely avoidable with timely intervention. This matter demands immediate attention and urgent remediation. I request that the responsible department takes swift action to:

Remove the stump in full, including its root system Carry out an inspection of the surrounding ground and listed wall foundations Undertake any necessary restoration work to stabilise the area and prevent further deterioration Given the serious risk to both public safety and a protected historic asset, failure to act promptly could result in significant liability and reputational damage.

Please confirm receipt of this report and provide a timeline for the proposed course of action.