Trees on Deepdale streets blocking light from home windows and creating trip hazard – Blog Preston - United Kingdom News Beep

“Some of these trees need felling. Some are leaning towards the house and growing up the wall. Unfortunately, this means people living in the area end up anti-tree. It causes a trip hazard for the elderly, disabled or parents pushing prams. They’re not a safe space for people.

“It’s also grotty around here. If people around here were more assertive then Lancashire County Council could end up with legal problems. There’s no litter around here, but the trees and the weeds are making it a less nice place to live.”

Cllr Vohra says that it is the switch from accepted practice being that city councillors could email Lancashire County Council to using the LoveCleanStreets app to report highways concerns that is the root of the problem.

Trees in Deepdale. Credit: Blog Preston

Poorly-maintained area in Deepdale. Credit: Blog Preston

Uneven pavements due to size of trees in Deepdale. Credit: Blog Preston

Poorly-maintained area in Deepdale. Credit: Blog Preston

Trees in Deepdale. Credit: Blog Preston

Uneven pavements due to size of trees in Deepdale. Credit: Blog Preston

“Before it was brilliant, they used to listen and you could email them explaining the problem. I don’t know why they changed it, but now you need to report via the LoveCleanStreets app and it’s not suitable for reporting so many problems.

“I am prolific on LoveCleanStreets but it’s not working.”

Labour city councillor Vohra is conscious that people are passionate about trees in residential and urban areas and their ability to make an area more pleasant to live and be in. However, he says that trees and green spaces only work when they are maintained properly.

A spokesperson for Lancashire County Council said: “Trees make an important contribution to the local environment and streetscape, and wherever possible we seek to retain and protect them.

“The county council does not carry out routine pruning or maintenance simply because a tree has reached a certain size. Instead, our approach is based on identifying and addressing foreseeable and significant safety risks, in line with recognised arboricultural and highway management practices. Highway inspections include checks for issues such as damaged, diseased or unstable trees, obstructed visibility and trip hazards caused by root growth.

“Where concerns are reported to us, they are assessed and, where necessary, investigated by the appropriate officers. Any required work is prioritised on the basis of risk and the condition of the tree.

“We are aware of the concerns that have been raised and will arrange for the locations identified to be inspected.

“If any work is needed, it will be prioritised according to the level of risk identified.”

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Article categoriesDeepdale, Preston Council, Preston News, Roads