'It's actually depressing us': Lime tree causing big problems for Stratton St Margaret couple
The local parish council say they 'takr resident tree issues very seriously'
A huge tree and in particular the number of seeds it sheds, is causing a real problem to a couple in Stratton St Margaret.
Christine May and her husband Alan have lived in their house in Farrfield for nearly 40 years. But a lime tree that was planted right at the back of their garden in Meadowcroft fields about 20 years ago had grown to a huge height.
Mrs May, 76, said not only does it block out the light, but its seeds and the special leaves attached to help them disperse are causing the couple real problems.
She said: “Every day the garden is covered with them, They’ve totally clogged an artificial stream we used to have and they cover the lawn and the flower beds.
“It’s starting to affect us both quite badly. Mt husband is 79 and he’s having to go out every day to clear the leaves and seeds from the lawn and the flower beds. We are both keen on gardening, and it’s really getting us down.
“It’s actually depressing us and affecting how we feel. We both love our garden it’s a misery and it’s a real injustice.”
Mrs May said the linden, or commonly a lime, was planted by Stratton St Margaret Parish Council right on the boundary of the recreation fields and the houses in Farrfield along with a line of cherry trees.
Mrs May said: “It’s so tall now that it blocks out the light, it’s like Autumn every day, it’s so dark. We have to put the lights on earlier in the day in summer, which is more expense.”
She added that other trees in the row were damaging neighbours’ properties, with roots lifting up patio stones.
She said: “We’d love to see the tree cut down, it shouldn’t be there and the council has planted dozens of trees elsewhere.
“We’ve reported this to the council several times, but nothing’s been done about it all, and we’ve asked our MP Justin Tomlinson to help get something done.”
A spokesman for Stratton St Margaret Parish Council said: “We take resident tree issues very seriously and are proud of the tree maintenance programme and inspections that the Parish Council undertake annually.
“We shall endeavour to look into this report as a matter of urgency and will respond directly to the resident.”