A village has been plunged into near total darkness by dozens of 60-foot-tall trees planted by primary children 38 years ago.
Homeowners in Tean, Staffordshire, say that the trees – planted by pupils at Great Wood Primary School in 1988 – are blocking the sunlight from their properties.
The maple, sycamore and silver birch trees on the school’s perimeter have grown so tall that some rooms and gardens have been left in shade almost permanently.
Worried neighbours also fear that a heavy storm could cause the trees to come crashing down, destroying their homes.
Grandmother-of-five Kay Mitchell said the overgrown trees could put off prospective buyers from purchasing the somewhat precariously placed properties.
‘My biggest fear is that the trees aren’t healthy, not spaced far apart and covered in ivy – they are a risk,’ she said.
‘It’s blocking light from my garden, but the main thing is they aren’t healthy and aren’t going to stand for very long.’
The retired coffee shop owner added that the trees, which are not maintained by the school, have grown just metres from surrounding properties.
Worried villagers in Tean, Staffordshire, have voiced their concerns about dozens of trees planted in 1988 that have grown to more than 60ft
Great Wood Primary School is now surrounded by trees which were planted by pupils in 1988
She said: ‘They’re all 60ft tall, and the ground is higher than the houses so they really do blot out the sun.
‘They’re enormous some of them, their branches in one case is just one metre away from a neighbour’s chimney.’
Maureen Forsyth, who has lived at her home for three years, said there is near constant shade thanks to the massive trees.
She said: ‘I don’t use the back garden because it’s so dark and there wasn’t any light, so we just built a shed.
‘It’s mainly dark all the time, my utility room backs onto that and I always have to put my light on. You can’t use the spare bedroom without turning the light on.’
The retired hotel owner added that she was concerned about how close the trees were getting to her home.
‘I’m the closest to the trees, one of the trees is only about 5m away from my home.
‘If one of the larger branches or trees does fall you can only imagine the damage it will cause.’
Kay Mitchell looks up at the trees which have grown so high they block sunlight from her home
The grandmother-of-five said the massive trees could put off prospective buyers from purchasing the properties on the school perimeter
Some neighbours even complained about their properties not receiving any sunlight until almost midday.
Others said the battle to maintain the ‘domineering’ trees is a ‘never-ending mission’.
Great Wood Primary School, which is part of the Moorlands Primary Federation (TMPF) Trust, said the trees receive regular safety inspections.
A TMPF spokesman said: ‘The management of trees on the site is something which the school takes seriously and as such commission regular surveys and reports to ensure they are doing so.
‘The school will always listen to any concerns raised and are happy to meet with neighbouring residents to endeavour to work respectfully towards a resolution for all parties which is mindful of professional advice, safety and our environmental responsibilities.’
High Peak borough council and Staffordshire Moorlands district council said they are not responsible for the trees because they are not considered ‘dangerous’.
A council spokesman said: ‘The trees are not protected by Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and are not within a conservation area, therefore there is no statutory role for the council in that regard.
‘There is no legislation that restricts the height or width a tree may be on private land.’
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