'Seriously out of control' tree in Ashton to get a New Year pruning

A tearaway tree, branded as 'seriously out of control,' is to be lopped back by public demand.
The tearaway tree in Ashton, Preston which residents claim is dangerousThe tearaway tree in Ashton, Preston which residents claim is dangerous
The tearaway tree in Ashton, Preston which residents claim is dangerous

The overgrown giant, which residents claim sends branches raining down in high winds, will be given a pruning by council workmen in the New Year.

County Hall officers say they have drawn a blank trying to get the owner of the tree in Starrgate Drive and Ashtongate, Preston, to do the work.

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So a team will be sent out within the next month to make the tree safe - with the owner being sent the bill.

The news is a victory for locals who, helped by Coun Gillian Oliver, demanded action “as a matter of public safety”.

Coun Oliver said: “This tree is seriously out of control. This neglect has been going on for years and it’s high time something was done to remove what is a very real threat.”

Attempts to contact the owner of the parcel of land on which the tree stands - believed to be a property company based in London - have failed to get a reply.

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A spokesman for LCC told the Post: “The landowner has not responded to our letters asking them to prune this tree to ensure it meets clearance standards for growth overhanging the highway. We will now carry out the work and look to recover the cost from the owner.”

Resident Andrew Watts, who lives in the shadow of the tree, explained: “Every time we get a high wind we get quite sizeable branches falling off. It’s dangerous.”