RESIDENTS on a Droitwich estate have expressed their anger at a failed promise dating back over 20 years ago.

Woodland Trust assured homeowners on the Ridings estate that it would cut trees in Copcut Wood as far back as 2002.

The plan was that it would cut trees adjacent to properties on the estate every three years but, over 20 years later, work has yet to be undertaken.

Several residents complained to Wychavon District Council individually about the situation but claim they were told they were the only ones complaining.

"They promised more than 20 years ago that they were going to cut the trees adjacent to the houses and we are still waiting for them to start," said Frank Payne, who has lived on the estate since the early 1990s.

"Some branches overhang my fence and I have had to cut them, and it has also left moss in my back garden. 

"The trees are so high that, in the summer, it is just a wall of green. I have to turn the light on in my bathroom it gets that dark."

Mr Payne, 75, said the lack of sunlight in the summer months meant plants were dying and that some residents had to replant grass in their gardens.

He still has a copy of two letters the Woodland Trust sent to him in 2002 and 2003 promising to carry out coppice work.

The trust insisted it would form part of an ongoing long-term management plan for the area.

A spokesperson for Woodland Trust said, however, that while they "own the freehold for Copcut Wood, the land is leased to Wychavon District Council and they are responsible for the land management and plans for this wood."

Jon Hulbert, Senior Parks and Greenspace Officer for Wychavon District Council, said: “Together with the Woodland Trust we have put together a six-year management plan for Copcut Wood, based on feedback from residents and users.

"The plan includes removing and managing trees and managing other vegetation within five metres of buildings, limited new planting to diversity the species of tree in the wood and measures to generally promote and enhance biodiversity of the area.

“We are only able to carry out work outside of bird nesting season so while residents may see some minor cutting back taking place during February and March, the majority of work will begin next winter, subject to appropriate funding being put in place.”