Overgrown trees on Hilltop Drive are a hazard, says resident

Overgrown trees on Hilltop Drive are a hazard according to one resident but Rochdale Council hasn’t got any plans to solve the issue just yet.

Andy Taylor has been in touch with the council regarding the trees and has been in contact with them since June over the issue.

He said: “I contacted Councillor Kathleen Nickson regarding the issue in June to see if she could help and she said she would see if there was anything she could do. I then got a letter from the council in September and was told that they were aware of the issue but nothing could be done until March 2016.”

The trees, which are located outside of Mr Taylor’s house, are said to be causing issues in the area.

Mr Taylor added: “The double decker buses come past and hit the branches. It isn’t so bad now that the leaves have gone but if a branch was to fall because of the buses, it means pedestrians, vehicles and properties are at risk.”

It is understood that Rochdale Council has recently spruced up Sudden Brook Pocket Park. Mr Taylor finds it frustrating that the council can work on areas like this but can not find the time to help with this issue.

He said: “It is frustrating because I have been trying to get it sorted since June and I have been told by gardeners that the best time to prune a tree is between October and December so surely the best time to do it is now. I can’t believe that they are saying March 2016.”

Martin Taylor, Head of Environmental Management at Rochdale Council, said: “We recently received a request for the trees on Hilltop Drive to be pruned and this has been added to our programme of work following a site visit and assessment. Due to their height above the road, the trees will not be struck by cars or vans and therefore this has not been designated as high priority work. We have not received any complaints from bus companies but will continue to monitor the situation.”