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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
National
Joel Moore

Nottingham path 'dark as Black Hole of Calcutta' due to overgrown trees

A group of Nottingham residents say overgrown trees are leaving a nearby path 'as dark as the Black Hole of Calcutta' at night. People living in Skylark Drive, Old Basford said they do not feel safe walking down the scenic cut-through which starts at David Lane and stretches to Bulwell.

Iris Busley, 75, said overhanging trees were blocking the lampposts, and called for them to be trimmed. Persimmon Homes, which owns the land, said it had carried out a survey and would schedule the works as soon as possible.

"You can't see it. It's terrible, honestly, it's like the Black Hole of Calcutta at night," said Ms Busley, who has used the path to get to the main road for 24 years. "We want to feel safe, there's a lot of old people living here. We don't feel safe but nobody seems to care."

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She added that residents would feel yet more unsafe when the clocks change at the end of October. "I don't feel safe at night time now so God help us," continued Ms Busley.

"I've got nothing against nature, I love it, it's just that it's taking over. Someone could get murdered mugged or raped - druggies would have a field day." Another resident, 79-year-old Derek Taylor said: "It's gone downhill, you can't see what comes down that path in the dark, it's pitch black.

Trees blocking the top of a lamppost (Nottingham Post/ Joel Moore)

"I came here because it looked fantastic, but at some parts people just dump stuff, it's like the third world." Valerie King, 84, added: "I wouldn't dare go out at night, not like I used to do.

"You can't see because the trees are hanging over the lights." A spokesperson for Persimmon Homes said: “We are aware of the concerns relating to some trees in Old Basford and have responded to residents on this matter.

"We have carried out a tree survey to identify any necessary action and are currently obtaining a quotation. Once received, we will look to schedule these works as soon as possible.”

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