Bungalow dwarfed by skyscraper of an elm

DOROTHY NEWTON with the towering tree

AN overgrown tree casts a shadow on everyday living for widow Dorothy Norton.

The 50ft elm was planted in the 1970s. But since then it has grown and grown, overpowering 76-year-old Dorothy’s bungalow in Newark Park Way, near Tandle Hills, Royton.

And the roots are already forcing their way up through the pavement, causing Mrs Norton to fear the stability of her home may be in danger.

She said: “The tree is just too big for the road.

“I would like it to be felled but I am told there is a preservation order on it.”

An Oldham Council spokesman said: “We can confirm that we have received requests from a resident in Newark Park Way, Royton, for permission to remove an Dutch elm tree from her garden.

“Because of the quality of this tree we have always refused permission to remove it.

“The tree in question was first put under an area tree preservation order. But in 1992, this was changed to a tree specific order because it was considered to be such a good Dutch elm.

“The resident first applied in 1999 and permission was refused.

“The tree is an important feature in the locality, providing an important natural element to the landscape.

“At present there is no evidence that the tree presents any kind of threat to people or property.

“Although the council has not given permission for the tree to be felled, it has allowed the resident of the property to cut it back so that it is more manageable.”