IN PICTURES: Caddington couple at loggerheads with council after 'overgrown' tree branch smashes into garden

Dave and Jean Snaith live at Collings Wells Close, and say they have complained to the council for decades about the "overgrown and dangerous" tree.

On Sunday, May 10, a large branch fell and smashed the couple's garden fence.

The branch landed partially into the garden of their 94-year-old neighbour, who they say was "terrified".

The couple also claim the tree's roots are causing subsidence to nearby houses.

Mrs Snaith said: "I was at home when the branch fell and it was quite frightening. The first thing I did was to check our next door neighbour was alright and I phoned her granddaughter.

"I've been fighting Central Beds Council for over 20 years about how dangerous this massive tree is. Our houses are moving because its roots are coming underneath.

"But CBC just keep coming up with excuses.

"The council are now telling us that there's a preservation order on the tree. A tree surgeon came and had to chop the branch into pieces, it was too big to remove in one go.

"The tree is very dangerous but the council won't do anything. I've come to the end of my tether."

Mr Snaith added: "It's lucky no one was injured, because of the size of the branch it could have killed someone. We have grandchildren who play in the back garden."

In response to the Snaiths' complaint, Central Bedfordshire Council says that a full survey will be undertaken over the tree's safety.

Cllr Carole Hegley, portfolio holder for social care and housing, said: “The trees are on land managed by Highways, but our housing team has been able to work quickly to respond. Our housing surveyor visited the properties affected.

"No remedial works were needed, and we will make sure that Mr and Mrs Snaith are up to date with what we’ve done - keeping track of how it is affecting them and other tenants.

"The fallen branches were cleared, and the area made safe. According to records, it has been inspected in the last few years as part of a standard tree-surveying programme and no issues recorded, but we’ve also booked in a full, extra survey to see if there is likely to be any ongoing impact on our residents.

"There are certain criteria that need to be met for a tree’s complete removal, which we take very seriously.”