Residents slam estate firm for leaving trees like 'totem poles' during nesting season

The Colindale estate’s trees have been cut back so severely that residents fear they may never grow back, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

Tree damage at Adastral Village (credit Fiona Cameron)

Colindale residents have described the felling of dozens of trees on their housing estate as “unprofessional” and “destructive”.

Residents who live at Adastral Village, a 320-home estate managed by Notting Hill Genesis (NHG), said staff suddenly turned up without notice and began cutting the trees earlier this month.

Fiona Cameron, one of the residents, said people on the estate were concerned the trees had been “killed forever”.

An NHG spokesperson said in response it had asked contractor BLR Property Management (BLR), which had arranged the work, to provide evidence “the trees were in poor condition” but had not yet received it.

Fiona said the incident had left the community “saddened and incensed” and they’d received “no help” from either NHG or BLR.

She said work was carried out without proper safety equipment, that bird nests were destroyed, and the results contravened tree work standards for the UK.

Birch trees and other varieties were affected and Fiona highlighted the fact it was bird nesting season. The Royal Horticultural Society advises anyone cutting trees or hedges between March and July to check for active nests before pruning or to delay work until after the nesting season is over.

Fiona said residents were still confused about who authorised the work and the work’s quality.

She said: “We’ve been left with what I can only describe as totem poles of trees with all the branches cut off at different angles with no green growth remaining.”

Fiona added that after trying to get a response, eventually staff from BLR told residents a report “from ten years ago” had recommended the action but despite asking for a copy, one was not provided.

A spokesperson for NHG said: “This work was carried out by the managing agent for Adastral Village, BLR, who are appointed by the resident management company [Adastral Village South Residents Limited] to maintain communal areas on the estate. We understand the frustration of residents and share their concerns.

“Felling trees should only ever be a last resort and we have asked BLR to provide us with the report indicating that these trees were in a poor condition.

“We know residents are concerned and are arranging a meeting next week so they can discuss these issues, and what happens next, and have invited BLR and the resident management company.”

Fiona said residents had complained about BLR to NHG “numerous” times over the last 15 years and residents wanted the company “dismissed”.

However, she said the director of BLR had historically refused to hold meetings with the residents.

BLR Property Management was approached for comment.

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