WOODLAND trees are a cause for concern for residents living in Baxenden. Their houses back on to protected Laund Clough woodland, and they claim work urgently needs to be done to the adjacent trees. Some householders want the trees to be felled, and are putting continuing pressure on the area.

One such protester is Councillor Anthony Bushell, of Southwood Drive, who has taken on his own council in the fight to fell a mature oak tree adjacent to his back garden.

He fears the possibility of the tree falling on to his house, but is willing to compromise by having it pruned.

His application to fell the tree was refused by the council's own woodland officer and the one from the Woodland Trust.

They were both in agreement that: "There is no evidence to suggest that the oak tree is unsound, unstable, or a present danger to adjacent property."

Instead, they recommended that the tree is reshaped, by removing the weight in the upper part of the tree so that it does not lean towards Mr Bushell's house.

Mr Bushell said: "I am quite satisfied with the decision on reduction and reshaping of the tree, which will reduce its weight and size. The inspection carried out by woodland officers showed that the tree was not actually diseased, so there was no danger of it falling."

Neighbours whose homes back on to the protected woodland, could find their applications for work on the adjacent trees are approved in light of this action.

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