Councillors step in to chop trees

A group of Liberal Democrats cleared a disabled woman's overgrown garden - because they say funds are not available from the council.

Councillors David Kendall and Barry Aspinell, along with Barry's son Matthew, spent an afternoon clearing overgrown vegetation at the resident's council-owned property in Pilgrims Hatch.

Brentwood council had told June Taylor they would collect any trimmings but she could have to wait two years to have the clearance done for free.

June's son, Steve Taylor, said: "It is a sign of the decline of social responsibility."

Environment chief Cllr Russell Quirk said: "Is it right for the public to pay to maintain every single tree in the borough rather than the ones which just pose some sort of hazard?

"Let's be clear. Those trees which pose a danger will be dealt with immediately. But there has to be a balance between what people want done and where that money should be spent."