Dudley Council Faces Criticism Over Tree Root Damage Repairs
Dudley Council has been accused of merely plastering over growing cracks in a tenant's wall, despite claims that the damage is being caused by invasive tree roots. Rita Clarke, aged 72, resides in Newark Road, Netherton, where residents report that up to 18 houses are suffering from foundations being undermined by roots.
Mrs Clarke is dealing with a range of issues in her home and asserts that the local authority is not providing adequate assistance. She expressed her frustration to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, stating, "It feels like they are passing it on, one to another." She described a recent visit from a council response team, saying, "I rang, they sent one of their quick response vans – lovely lad but it was like sending a bricklayer to do brain surgery. He had a look at the cracks and said 'I will plaster them', I said 'I don't think so, plastering over the cracks'."
Structural Damage and Ongoing Problems
The crack in question is located in the main bedroom, described as a "great gaping hole" by Mrs Clarke. She revealed that when her daughter moved in just over a year ago, the council plastered over an existing crack, but that repair has since failed, leaving a hole large enough to fit a fist through.
Beyond the wall cracks, Mrs Clarke, who has mobility issues, points to additional problems caused by large trees at the rear of her property. Residents claim these trees were planted by the council approximately 40 years ago, and their branches now extend across gardens. Mrs Clarke explained, "Every autumn you get seeds blowing everywhere and new shoots springing up in the guttering, they are everywhere. When you go outside it tends to be very slippery, we have to be very careful." She also mentioned issues with pigeons affecting her neighbour's laundry.
Historical Issues and Council Response
After Mrs Clarke's garden began sloping towards her neighbour's lower garden, Dudley Council constructed a retaining wall. However, she noted that the slabs in her garden are now dropping, indicating ongoing movement. Having lived in her council home for 34 years, Mrs Clarke observed that cracks first appeared two to three years after she moved in and have since spread to every room, worsening over time.
In response, Councillor Ian Bevan, Dudley cabinet member for housing and homelessness, stated, "Housing services do not have any recorded historical concerns about structural issues with properties on this road. However following recent contact from the ward councillor we are arranging a visit to the area, with appropriate specialist support, to investigate these issues further." He added that findings from these investigations will be discussed with residents and used to guide any necessary future works.
