People in Gwaelod-Y-Garth say they are in imminent danger from dangerous trees that lean over their homes.
An independent survey commissioned by residents has found that five trees of around 23 metres in height are at risk of collapsing. The survey, which was commissioned after what residents say was a lack of safety assurance from the council, labelled one ash tree as requiring an “emergency takedown” within 24 hours.
Published at the end of October, the report was immediately shared with Cardiff Council, but it has said work to remove one tree and reduce another by 30% in size will not happen until February.
The survey recommended three other oak trees should have a decay detection survey conducted within four weeks.
As a matter of caution, Cardiff Council decided to re-inspect all of the trees after it was made aware of the residents’ survey.
Nick O’Keefe, who lives on the road, says that he is concerned for the safety of his son and daughter who sleep in the front bedrooms of his house, directly where one tree could fall.
The road is also a main route for many children who attend Gwaelod-Y-Garth Primary School.
Initial concerns about the trees on council-owned land were raised by residents to the parks department of Cardiff Council in 2016. After visible deterioration and multiple requests to the council for assurances over the trees’ condition, residents decided to take matters into their own hands and paid approximately £600 for Wilson Tree Surveys in Ceredigion to carry out a safety and condition survey.
It was only a fortnight ago that the residents were informed that Cardiff Council will take action and the date for the work is yet to be set.