Safety fears of Denshaw residents as overhanging trees threaten to block access

Worried Denshaw residents have hit out at Oldham Council and Saddleworth Parish Council as troublesome overhanging trees on Horest Lane remain untrimmed.

Oldham council has been contacted in a bid to get the trees cut back before the lane becomes impassable.

Already vehicles appear reluctant to drive up the lane, and that is causing huge headaches for locals.

One resident, Glynis, told us: "It was last year when I first contacted the Highways Department at the Council to say that the overhanging trees on the lane were causing a problem. 

"I am aware that overhanging trees are the responsibility of the landowner to cut back, but if the landowners do not do this then I believe the council can do this and charge them for it.

"I contacted the council again last week and was told letters were sent out to the landowners in August, 2021, but this was never followed up. 

"This has now become a real problem as I am not able to get deliveries to my house due to vehicles not being able to get to my house. 

"I only have a little Fiat 500, but the trees are almost catching the top of my car. 

"Two weeks ago, after an operation on my eye, even the ambulance bringing me home had to drop me off and I had to walk the last quarter of a mile as the trees would have damaged their vehicle. 

"There are always broken branches on the lane and bits which have broken off vehicles as they try to get through.

"Living in Saddleworth we pay extra for the precept of the parish council, but are not getting the service we should get. 

"It is awful in this day and age that you cannot get things delivered to your house and have orders cancelled because they can't get here.

"I think this has now become a safety problem also. 

"I just hope there is never a fire as I'm sure a fire engine would never get here."

This afternoon (Tuesday), Oldham Council responded to the Chronicle's request for a response to Glynis's concerns.

Councillor Jean Stretton, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “We are aware of the overgrown trees on Horest Lane in Denshaw and have previously requested the responsible landowners to cut these trees back.

“Unfortunately, no action has yet been taken and we will now serve legal notice to the landowners.

“If no action is taken within this timeframe, we will carry out these works ourselves and recharge those responsible.”

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