Outside 60 Harrowby Road in Grantham
Sent to Lincolnshire County Council less than a minute later. Council ref: 2858049.
I am writing to raise an ongoing safety concern regarding the tree located directly outside my property in Grantham (NG31 9DS). Following recent storms, several branches have fallen from this tree — some quite large — landing directly on the pavement and in my front garden. I’ve attached photographs showing the fallen branches and their proximity to public walkways and residential areas.
The branches show signs of decay and instability, and the tree continues to shed debris during adverse weather. I recently spoke with Openreach officers regarding the tree’s overhang across telephone wires. While they confirmed that no damage has yet occurred to their infrastructure, they advised me to contact the council directly, as they are unable to intervene unless physical damage is present.
This issue has been reported to the council on two previous occasions: • August 2023 (Reference: 465726) • September 2024 (Reference: 2816989)
On both occasions, I was informed that highway officers had visited the area and deemed there to be no issue. However, no one contacted me directly or visited my property to discuss the concern or view the tree from my side of the boundary — where the fallen branches have landed and where the risk is most evident.
I am particularly concerned for the safety of my two very young children, aged 1 and 3, who regularly play in our front garden. The risk of falling branches near our home and the public footpath is deeply worrying.
I understand that local authorities have a duty of care under the Highways Act 1980 and the Occupiers’ Liability Acts of 1957 and 1984 to take reasonable steps to ensure public safety and prevent foreseeable harm. Given the history of this issue and the visible deterioration of the tree, I respectfully urge the council to fulfil its legal and moral responsibility by arranging a qualified inspection and taking appropriate action.
Updates
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Thanks for letting us know about your issue with a fallen tree or branch on the highway. We will look into this and let you know what we find within the next 14 days. You can find out more about trees and hedges on our website
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Thank you for your report. We will investigate and make an update to this report within 14 days.
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It’s been just over 3 weeks now and I have still had no response. Can you provide an update please?
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Absolute joke of a process. Its now 19th November and I have not received any response. It’s heartening to know how seriously you value these issues. Am I wasting my time?
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Absolute joke of a process. Its now 19th November and I have not received any response. It’s heartening to know how seriously you value these issues. Am I wasting my time?
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