Residents in a Derby cul-de-sac have won a four-year battle against UPS over trees that had been blocking sunlight from their homes.
The victory comes after homeowners on Ellesmere Avenue complained about the “depressing” trees, which had not been trimmed since late 2020.
Madeline Hackett, an 80-year-old resident, described how houses on the south side of the street were left with only a few hours of sunlight each day due to the overgrown trees.
The trees were originally planted by UPS around 30 years ago as a sound barrier for their adjoining warehouse, but residents say they had grown “out of hand”.
Trees planted by UPS blocked out residents’ sunlight
Google Street View/Getty
Following media attention, UPS has now agreed to trim the trees, with work scheduled for January 6.
Hackett, who has lived at Ellesmere Avenue for over 40 years, recalled the property’s history before the trees became an issue.
“Initially, there were just wooden fences at the back of the gardens, which then became a brick wall a few years later. We had no complaints,” she said.
She explained that while the warehouse noise was “unbearable” and required intervention, she had reservations about the tree solution from the start.
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Following media attention, UPS has now agreed to trim the trees, with work scheduled for January 6
Google Street View
“When they offered to plant the trees, I always said it was a bad idea. I knew they would be neglected, and it was always going to be us that suffered,” Hackett told Derbyshire Live.
The trees had not been trimmed since late 2020, leading to significant overgrowth.
In a letter seen by Derbyshire Live, UPS confirmed they had hired contractors to trim the trees along their property border with Ellesmere Avenue.
The work was scheduled for January 6, with the company promising the trimming would be carried out “in accordance with standards advised by the tree surgeon”.
A UPS spokesperson said: “We’re committed to being good neighbours in the communities where we live and operate.”
UPS confirmed they had hired contractors to trim the trees along their property border with Ellesmere Avenue
Flickr
The company added that the work would be handled by trained professionals to ensure the health and safety of the trees.
They also assured residents that “extreme care will be taken, and all debris will be cleared up and taken away”.
Hackett expressed relief at the resolution, crediting media coverage for the breakthrough.
She is now looking forward to enjoying sunlight throughout 2025 and plans to repair her garden shed, which suffered damage from falling branches.
Reform Councillor Alan Graves welcomed the outcome, stating: “I would like to thank UPS for their cooperation on this matter. Everyone is overjoyed and has made their Christmas a very happy one.”