7:40am Friday 3rd September 2010
By Jon Austin
BASILDON Council has promised to halve the time it takes to tackle overgrown trees across the district.
Council officers can take up to 12 weeks to inspect a tree following complaints from residents about branches overhanging properties or trees blocking alleys and cracking pavements.
A new system is being introduced to ensure trees are inspected within six weeks.
Officers hope the move will reduce the number of claims made against the council.
Under the plans, work will be carried out in 12 weeks instead of 26 weeks at present.
The council is ploughing an extra £30,000 a year into the service to speed up the response times.
However, a report on the changes claims it will save cash because there will be fewer compensation claims from residents against the council about overgrown trees causing damage to property or injuries.
Hugh Reynolds, head of street scene and leisure services, said: “This funding should ensure the 12-week target for tree surgery is achieved.
“This action will reduce the number of claims made against the council in the medium to long term and can be viewed as an invest-to-save measure.
“It is considered it is essential for this funding to continue on an on-going basis to reduce the burden placed on the council through claims and continue the work which has already been produced.”
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