A Killylea resident has spoken of her dismay as an overgrown tree that she can’t cut down threatens to damage her property.
The resident, who lives on Main Street in the village and has asked not to be named, says that she is at her “wits’ end” over the issue, which has emerged over the last number of years, with the tree growing over her roof and into her windows.
Indeed, when standing both inside and outside the house, the branches and leaves of the tree are seen to be protruding into her property, with leaves even coming through the top window when it is open.
The roots of the tree also seem to be affecting the pavement outside the house, with a raised hump noticed on the path beside the tree. She says that it’s only a matter of time before someone falls over it.
Despite her pleas, she has been unable to identify who owns the tree, with public bodies seemingly washing their hands of the problem.
The resident, who has lived in the house for nine years, says that there are a number of trees down the Main Street that need to be maintained but this simply is not being done.
“Mine is the biggest and it’s growing over the house,” she said.
In an attempt to resolve the issue, she has contacted ABC Council and DfI Roads to try to ascertain who is responsible for the trees. However, she has been met with both parties pointing the finger at each other.
Said the resident: “Every year it’s getting worse. I’m afraid of what it will do to our house and nobody wants to know.”
The roots of the tree also seem to be affecting the pavement outside the house, with a raised hump noticed on the path beside the tree.
Armagh I has been attempting to solve the mystery over who owns the trees, which occupy prominent positions adorning the Main Street in Killylea.
We contacted the Department of Infrastructure (DfI) who told us that the trees are the “local council’s responsibility”.
However, when we reached out to ABC Council for comment, a spokesperson told us: “Having checked our records, we can confirm that the council is not responsible for maintaining these trees as it does not own this land.”
When the two public bodies likely to be responsible for the trees deny ownership, it leaves the residents in a difficult position, especially as they are unable to cut the trees themselves.
DUP Councillor Scott Armstrong has spoken to the resident and has seen the trees for himself.
He was told that council estates management have confirmed through Land Registry that the trees are not in the ownership of the council.
He commented: “In receiving this response, I have contact DfI to address the issue. The trees have to belong to someone and some department have to claim ownership and maintenance over them.
“I will continue to work for the residents on Main Street, Killylea, and it is my hope we find out who is responsible for the trees and come to a reasonable conclusion.”
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