A REQUEST has been made by Hoole councillor Bob Thompson (Lib Dem, Hoole and Newton) for a root and branch review of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s policy for maintaining the trees it owns.

Cllr Thompson raised the issue at a meeting of the full council.

He asked if action would be taken to address situations, particularly in areas such as Hoole, where there were trees overhanging the back yards of residents blocking out the light to their homes as well as branches touching the guttering and ratepayers having to clear their guttering at significant cost.

“All I am asking for is a reasonable policy from the council,” said Cllr Thompson.

Answering on behalf of executive member for environment Cllr Lynn Riley, (Con, Weaver) who was not present, council leader Cllr Mike Jones (Con, Broxton) suggested that if there was a policy issue, Cllr Thompson should write to Cllr Riley asking her to have a look at the matter.

He also pointed out there were overhanging trees which were not owned by the council and if they were overhanging somebody’s garden the neighbours had a right to cut them anyway.

“We all have to clear gutters out from leaves so I think each situation will have to be treated on its merits,” suggested Cllr Jones.

But he repeated it would not do any harm for Cllr Thompson to write to Cllr Riley.