TREES will be cut back in Cinnamon Brow after years of complaints from residents.

Work to thin trees is due to begin this month following protests from homeowners across the area.

Neighbours on St Andrew’s Close say they have complained to the council about overgrown trees and the resulting lack of light and blocked gutters for five years.

And in December last year residents on Tweedsmuir Close said that trees had grown to around 20ft and were spoiling their homes.

But now work will finally start to deal with trees that have become too big.

Terry Hill, parks and woodland services manager at the council, said: “This work is part of the council’s ongoing, borough-wide woodland management programme.

“Throughout the winter months a small, dedicated team will be working in Cinnamon Brow thinning out dense areas of trees and shrubs to bring them back to a manageable condition.

“This is being done to ease encroachment on to residential properties and public footpaths and has been planned in consultation with the parish council.”

Trees are expected to be thinned in areas including Enfield Park, Kilsyth Close and Crab Lane.

Residents will be informed by letter three weeks before work at each location begins.

Only trees that are causing an obvious problem will be cut back.

Power tools will be used which may cause some disturbance, but Mr Hill said there was no other way to clear the greenery.

The move has been commended by Poulton North Clr Geoff Settle (LAB).

He said: “The plan addresses many of the concerns that people have contacted me about and I am pleased with the coverage.

“The criteria still exists that if the tree is sound and not causing structural problems then it is unlikely to be included.

“If people are in any doubt, they should contact me and I will see if anything can be done.”