Having read online Watford Observer January 5 news about the dead tree crashing down in Green Lane, with specific reference to Kevin Carrol; Ringway divisional manager responding on behalf of Herts County Council

We would like to take issue with Mr Carrol on three points:

1. He mentions the oak tree, when in fact the one that came crashing down was without doubt the horse chestnut tree next to 1 The Oaks. Was he confused as there is an Oak tree on the other side of this Cul-de- sac or inaccurate statement?

2. He also says that further investigation at the time found the tree was on private property and therefore not the responsibility of the county council . We along with Mr and Mrs Bhimijiyani would like to know when this conclusion was arrived at?

3. Most significantly, having arrived at this conclusion why weren’t Mr and Mrs Bhimijiyani told that the long dead horse chestnut tree was on private land [theirs?]. Such irresponsible and potentially dangerous omissions meant that Storm Eleanor did the job of felling the long dead tree around 4am on Wednesday, January 3.

Mrs Vanisha Bhimjiyani has researched HCC policy on their Highway tree strategy. She says that it clearly states that when a tree is privately owned and a potential hazard to the highway, the owner will be notified in writing by HCC. No such letter has been sent to Mr and Mrs Bhimijiyani. Why not?

Thank goodness no one was seriously injured.

Cllrs Alison & Andrew Scarth and Cllr Keith Martin