Norwich City Council refuse to cut Heartsease sycamore trees

From sticky sap to falling leaves and seeds, people living in Goulburn Road in Heartsease are constantly having to clean up the mess caused in their gardens by the trees in Alderman Walker Park.

Those living next to the park, including Stuart Stebbens, say Norwich City Council is "not listening" to their pleas to have the trees removed.

Stuart Stebbens said he and others have had to cleaning sap, bud casings and leaves (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

Mr Stebbens, 56, said: "It's the city council's fault the trees have been allowed to grow to the size they have and will only remove them when it sees fit.

"They have a policy to remove dead or unsafe trees, but nothing for nuisance trees.

The sycamore trees overhang a number of people's gardens (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

"There's around seven or eight of us here who have to deal with the mess these trees make, including a 93-year-old man and 80-year-old woman, which the council is effectively committing to clean up its mistakes because of their lack of action.

"We have to clean up sap, bud casing and leaves left all around the area which could make things dangerous for people here.

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"The council isn't listening and not thinking about the impact these trees are having on people here.

Norwich City Council said the trees were found to be in a fair condition and no work was recommended (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

"They're choosing to hide behind policy and regulation, to do as little work as possible, letting trees continue to grow in places they shouldn't."

In an email to Mr Stebbens the council's parks and open spaces manager, Paul Rabbitts, said: "In June 2020 the council carried out work to remove one dangerous tree from the area.

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"The trees were last inspected in September 2022 following a complaint from yourself but the trees were found to be in a fair condition and no work was recommended.

Stuart Stebbens said the council is making residents pay to clean up their mistake (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

"They're scheduled for inspection again in September 2025 when, if needed, appropriate works will be ordered."

Mr Stebbens added: "It's time we could all spend doing much more rewarding things.

"I've been trying to get this sorted now for at least 18 months and no progress has been made all because the council failed to deal with the trees as they matured."