Homeowners have been plagued with “sleepless nights” over fears that a rotting tree could collapse on their homes during a storm.
Labour’s Southampton City council decided to cut down the offending oak tree that stood tall amid the city’s suburbs, although residents are still awaiting for action to take place nine months later.
Gary Romo, 71, has put up a fight against the council for eight years to axe the 30 foot tall tree, living in fear that it could one day collapse and kill him.
He said: “I am worried about it falling down in one of these heavy storms – the trunk is two-thirds rotten. It has got a cut down order by the council, but they won’t give us a date.”
Gary Romo, 71, has put up a fight against the council for eight years to axe the 30 foot tall tree, living in fear that it could one day collapse and kill him (Stock)
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Romo added that he was eager to resolve the issue before birds began nesting in preparation for springtime.
He said that, as the tree leans towards his house, the ground opposite is beginning to rise, placing a significant amount of stress on the roots.
Expressing deep concern over the possibility that the tree could really harm local residents, he said: “If it fell it would demolish both houses and possibly kill whoever was sleeping in the bed.
“I have had many sleepless nights during heavy winter storms… the storms are getting more and more severe. The expense must be over thousands of pounds just to get that tree down, but to save a life is more important.”
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The council was first notified of the issue by 57-year-old neighbour Tony Chan 13 years ago.
Recounting his back and forth with the council, the local carer said: “It has taken many years to deal with it. I worry about the tree situation.
“In 2012, a branch fell into my back garden and damaged my greenhouse… If I am in my greenhouse and the branch fell and the glass breaks, it could kill me.
“I have mentioned to the council that there are lots of dead branches hanging from the tree – they are just not interested, they say they don’t have the resources.
The council was first notified of the issue by 57-year-old neighbour Tony Chan 13 years ago
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“I worry about anyone using the path, it could kill them if a branch fell. We are also worried about the gales. They are getting stronger every year – if we are inside the house during a storm, it might kill us.”
Another 76-year-old local called Stephen Altman commented that he is keen to know when the tree would be cut down.
He said: “I had an email from the council saying the tree would be felled, but they did not say when. I would like to know when – it could be that it is due to be felled in 2030. It does not look very safe – rats seem to be getting in the bottom, which is the last thing we need.
Although he likes the tree, he admitted that it “looks a bit dangerous” and that a “tree like that falling would cause a hell of a lot of damage”.
Responding to concerns, Southampton City Council’s cabinet member for green city and net zero councillor John Savage said: “The oak tree was inspected in April 2024 and a difficult and sad decision was taken to remove the tree for the safety of residents. The work is currently with our tree surgery team to be scheduled in the near future.”