Northampton council tenants' responsibility for maintaining large trees will be reviewed after one fell onto pensioner's garden

The Northampton council tenancy agreement clause which makes tenants responsible for maintaining large trees will be reviewed after one crashed onto a pensioner's garden.

Northampton Borough Council and Northampton Partnership Homes will ensure contracts 'accurately reflect the maintenance of gardens and particularly trees' following the incident on Tuesday (August 25).

The Delapre residents affected by the fallen tree and their councillor, who has been calling for change for years, welcomed the decision but hope the clause is removed to put the onus back on the landlords, as it is in private housing.

Jane Walker, whose mother, Iris Pursglove, 81, is still distraught by the damage and the fact the tree fell minutes after her and her seven-year-old great-granddaughter left her garden on Hereward Road, said: "That's fantastic news.

"Social housing is supposed to be for people who are vulnerable and need support so they cannot afford to pay hundreds of pounds to look after these huge trees. I hope the council is true to its word."

The tree is part of a collection of 50-60ft trees that are rooted in Linda Murby's garden, which is also rented from the council through NPH, making them technically her responsibility.

The 36-year-old single mother-of-two and her neighbours has been complaining about them to the council for years and she feared she could have been liable for the damage.

NPH has said it will take care of removing it and repairing any damage but the resident was equally pleased to hear of the council's review.

She said: "If they are going to change it and make them responsible for the trees I think that's a good sign as how can I be expected to maintain it?

"If they just topped them they would not have such an issue as they would if it was by the side of the motorway or in a park.

"Even in a private rented property the landlord would be responsible so why is it any different for the council?"

The Chronicle & Echo's report about the fallen tree has resulted in a deluge of similar stories from people on social media as well as to Jane privately.

Delapre and Briar Hill councillor Julie Davenport hoped the review was a positive one and ended in the right outcome for tenants.

Cllr Stephen Hibbert, cabinet member for housing and wellbeing, said: “As a result of this issue being highlighted by the Chronicle and Echo, the council and Northampton Partnership Homes will carry out a review of the tenancy agreement to ensure that it accurately reflects on the maintenance of gardens, and particularly trees.

"We will ensure that any changes considered necessary are implemented and communicated to our tenants. Any changes would need to be agreed by our cabinet.”