Sir – Here is just another unpopular, but, poplar question for the attention of Welwyn Hatfield Council. Four years ago, I informed our council that the poplar trees in our street very much needed attention. Some weeks later, a gentleman came suited and

Sir - Here is just another unpopular, but, poplar question for the attention of Welwyn Hatfield Council.

Four years ago, I informed our council that the poplar trees in our street very much needed attention. Some weeks later, a gentleman came suited and booted with one of those measuring devices on a tripod, I went outside to speak to him, and he informed me, that in his opinion, these trees were by far too tall; bearing in mind these trees measured at least 90 foot tall. He also informed me that the roots of poplar trees extended along the ground, and do not grow downwards. Therefore, making the footings of the houses close to these trees, unsafe.

Also one day, a couple of years later, a lady was travelling along the pathway under the said trees, on her mobility scooter and hit the bumps where the roots had pushed up the pavement, making it very dangerous, she fell out of her scooter, but was not hurt, just shaken. I went to see if she was alright, and I had to have a chuckle to myself, when I advised her she should complain to the council, she informed me that she had had a "couple" in the pub, and did not want anyone to think that she may be drink driving (bless).

But, on a more serious note, these trees are not only a nuisance because they shed so many leaves and block out so much light from the street lights that are inadequate anyway. Our street and that of Oaken Grove are extremely dark at night. The council never come to clean or check on our street lighting. The main issue are these trees, it's scary to see them when there are high winds. What would the outcome be, if any of these trees should fall on our homes, people, cars? I dread to think, but really, where would we stand on insurance claims? When will the council act, pray tell?

To my knowledge, no one from the council has been back to check on the danger or growth. These are the poplars that should be felled, not those in Stanborough Park that are causing so much media coverage. Come on our council, come have a look around our streets, do checks in the name of safety. I would love to know, in all honesty, what most of our council tax is spent on. But what are "we" the taxpayers?

Mrs P Spires, Twelve Acres, WGC.