The neighbours locked in a TWENTY-YEAR row over a tree. Now one is prepared to go to jail to cut it down

  • Kathleen Cann, 69, said she would risk jail by felling tree next to her home
  • Said branches tap against her window and frightened her blind brother
  • Standing in her way is her neighbour Janet Russell, who wants to save it
  • Her objections meant the tree was only pruned by council - not removed 

By Thomas Burrows for MailOnline

Published: | Updated:

A pensioner has said she would risk jail by felling a mature tree next to her house.

Kathleen Cann, 69, has been at loggerheads with council chiefs and another neighbour over the tree for almost two decades. 

She said the branches on the tree are wildly out of control, block natural light streaming into her home and left her brother John, who is blind, frightened to visit. 

'It would be an offence if I cut it down myself. But I am getting to the point where I am so sick of it I am willing to risk jail', she said. 

Standing in her way is her neighbour Janet Russell, 45, who desperately wants to save the tree. 

Her desire to keep the tree in the street has meant the council have only pruned it - rather than removing it.

Kathleen Cann (pictured) has been campaigning to have this mature tree, outside her home, removed

Kathleen Cann (pictured) has been campaigning to have this mature tree, outside her home, removed

Janet Russell, a neighbour, wants to save the tree as she said it added to the ambience of the street

Janet Russell, a neighbour, wants to save the tree as she said it added to the ambience of the street

Mrs Cann has lived on the street since 1997 but is now at the end of her tether. 

Describing her position she said: 'I can't even get my windows cleaned because the branches push up against them. 

'The branches tap against my bedroom window. Some nights I can't sleep because I am so frightened.'

The retired carer added: 'My brother John is blind and is scared to come to my house in case he trips over the tree stump. 

'I've seen a few people falling and I have fallen over a few times. One time I couldn't move my foot and I was limping for two days. 

'They were going to shift it and held a consultation, but because one person who doesn't have the tree outside their home objected now nothing is happening with it.'

She said she was now willing to risk prison by chopping down the tree herself.

Residents have been arguing over what to do with the tree in the street in Jarrow for almost 20 years
Residents have been arguing over what to do with the tree in the street in Jarrow for almost 20 years

Residents have been arguing over what to do with the tree in the street in Jarrow for almost 20 years 

The tree blocks natural light from coming into Mrs Cann's bedroom and taps against the window 

The tree blocks natural light from coming into Mrs Cann's bedroom and taps against the window 

But Mrs Russell has said the tree makes the area a more pleasant place to live and has campaigned to save it.

She said: 'I am the only person who has objected to the tree being taken down. I am really passionate about keeping the trees in the street.  

'They make it a nicer place to live and more attractive to potential buyers.

'The tree was here before Kath was here.

'I love the tree, I don't want it to go. It's been part of my life for the last 21 years. I would prefer that it didn't disappear.'

Her determination to save the tree meant the council only pruned it to try and keep it under control.

Mrs Russell has fought passionately to save the tree - having grown fond of it the last 21 years

Mrs Russell has fought passionately to save the tree - having grown fond of it the last 21 years

A spokesman for South Tyneside Council said: 'Following enquiries from local residents as to the condition of trees in this area, the council carried out an inspection of the condition of the trees over a number of streets.

'The inspection highlighted that one tree in particular was causing some immediate concerns to officers as to its overall condition, suitability and maintenance requirements.

'We carried out a survey to find out if the majority of residents living nearby wanted the tree removed. While most were in favour, we did receive one objection.

'We are in the process of discussing the matter with this resident and in the interim, have pruned the tree again.

'It is expected that the tree will be removed within the next three weeks.

'We are also considering using specially engineered "tree pits" or "tree tubs" in the future for replacement trees within pedestrian areas.

'This will hopefully improve the life of the tree and reduce its overall maintenance. This area is being considered for these works and further communications will take place later this year.'

 

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