Damage caused by tree, council did not take action before.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to formally raise a serious complaint regarding the council-owned tree outside numbers 40 and 42 Rowan Road, which has been allowed to grow excessively despite previous reports and concerns being raised by residents.

This matter now requires immediate attention. Due to the lack of maintenance, the excessive growth, the visible movement of the trunk in windy conditions, and the apparent weakness of the branches and tree structure, this has now become a serious health and safety issue.

The council has been aware of this issue for some time, yet no meaningful action has been taken. Other trees on the same road have been cut back, but this particular tree has continued to be ignored. A few years ago, we were told that work could not be carried out because there was a bird’s nest in the tree. From what we can see, the nest does not appear to be in use by any birds and is probably no longer active. However, if the council believes the nest is still active or protected, then a suitable specialist should be instructed to assess the situation and arrange any lawful relocation or appropriate action, rather than allowing this serious health and safety issue to continue unresolved.

The tree has now become far too large and is causing costly damage to both our property and neighbouring properties. The damage and issues include:

* Garden slabs becoming loose, uneven and unsafe. * The garden wall showing signs of cracking. * Gutters repeatedly becoming blocked with leaves, debris and rubbish from the tree. * The soakaway has been completely jammed for some time due to years of tree debris. As a result, rainwater is no longer draining away properly, and I have had no choice but to install a temporary pipe to redirect the water into the garden. * The tree moving heavily in windy conditions, including visible movement of the whole trunk. * Concern that the trunk appears thinner and weaker than other trees on the road, despite the tree now being extremely large. * Weak and overgrown branches creating a potential risk to residents, visitors, pedestrians, parked vehicles and nearby properties. * Branches from the tree are also putting pressure on broadband cables serving nearby properties. My neighbour at number 44 Rowan Road has already had their broadband cable come off the wall hook, which further demonstrates that this tree is now too large and unsuitable for its current location.

This is no longer simply a matter of routine tree maintenance. It is now a property damage, drainage, public safety and health and safety issue. Various photographs have been taken at different times of the year and are attached as evidence of the extent of the problem.

We are extremely frustrated that this tree has been left to grow out of control while other trees nearby have received attention. Sunnymead Avenue appears to receive more favourable attention from the council. For example, a small and attractive tree on the corner of Sunnymead Avenue and Rowan Road was removed and replaced with a new one, while this side of Rowan Road continues to be ignored despite repeated concerns and visible damage.

My neighbours and I are therefore requesting the following action:

1. Immediate inspection of the tree by a qualified tree officer or arboricultural specialist. 2. Immediate cutting back and making safe of the tree without further delay. 3. Removal of the tree and replacement with a more suitable species, as has been done nearby. 4. Repair of the damage caused to our garden slabs. 5. Repair of the cracking garden wall. 6. Repair or clearance of the completely jammed soakaway, which has been blocked for some time due to years of tree debris and has forced us to temporarily redirect rainwater into the garden. 7. A written explanation as to why this tree has been neglected while others nearby have been maintained or replaced. 8. A clear written timescale for the inspection, safety work, removal/replacement decision, and property damage resolution. 9. Full consideration for removal and replacement of this tree with a more suitable species, taking into account the ongoing property damage, drainage problems, health and safety concerns, and the impact on broadband cables and nearby services.

Due to the seriousness of the situation and the lack of action to date, I have had no choice but to send a copy of this complaint to my local MP on behalf of the affected residents. This is now a major health and safety concern, and I am formally putting the council on notice that, with immediate effect, we will hold the council fully responsible for any public or non-public injuries, damage to property, vehicles, broadband services, or further losses caused by this tree or falling branches.

We ask that this matter is treated as urgent before further damage occurs or, worse, someone is injured. The council has already been made aware of the issue, and there should be no further delay in taking appropriate action.

Please acknowledge receipt of this email and confirm the complaint reference number. For the avoidance of doubt, this complaint is also being submitted through the council’s formal online complaints process, and a copy is being sent to my local MP.

I look forward to your urgent response.

Yours faithfully,

Paresh Dudhaiya 42 Rowan Road London SW16 5JL 07956 348 085 pdudhaiya@gmail.com

Attachments: Photographs showing the tree, damage, blocked gutters/drainage issues, garden slabs, wall cracks, broadband cable impact, and other relevant evidence. Unable to attach all photos here so sending the complaint with the photo evidence via email.