LEAVES from mature trees on an aptly named Dark Lane, in Startforth, are “outside the remit” of a county council team formed to help find and fix problems.
Complaints about the leaves, which block road drains, causing flooding on Boldron Lane, cover the path on Dark Lane, making the surface slippy for pedestrians.
Earlier in the year the parish council asked Durham County Council’s Find It and Fix It team for assistance in “blitzing” the lane, cutting back some of the foliage to reduce the amount of leaves shed. However, at their latest meeting on Wednesday, November 17, clerk Judith Mashiter told members they will be unable to help.
She said: “Durham County Council said it is not going to be able to sort Dark Lane with the Find It and Fix It team as it’s outside of their remit.
“They have referred the matter to Aidan McCabe on the Clean and Green team to advise what can be done.”
Cllr Peter Worley said: “Dark Lane is bigger than all of us and that is why Durham are trying to avoid it.”
Some of the trees are situated on private land though others are on the boundary of the lane.
Chairman Cllr Pat Estall said trees were also disturbing masonry on the boundary wall and asked if it could be a problem with the roots.
He added: “It is a dangerous situation. Could it be the trees are not well rooted?”
Cllr Worley added: “They are well-rooted. Those trees must be about 200 or 300 years old. It is a massive job that is why they are passing the buck. I say cut them all down.”
