My mum has lived in her home for 57 years, is nearly 90 years old and a little unstable on her feet.

She has seen many changes in her environment but in recent years her life has been blighted by a tree planted by Brighton and Hove City Council in the grass verge right outside her property. In autumn the leaves drop, making a mess on the pavement and in her garden. When it rains it becomes like an ice rink. In spring it drops catkin-type debris and in summer the light in her living room is greatly reduced.

I contacted the council in February and to date despite correspondence between myself and Councillor Brian Fitch no reply has been given from the aptly named Quality of Life and Green Spaces Dept.

If a prominent Councillor can not get a reply from his own council in nearly six months what hope have mere council tax payers got?

During the recent high winds, Mum's garden and path have been covered with twigs from the tree (which, by the way, is well above the height of her home) and it has again frightened her should the tree or part of it be blown across her home.

Terry Thompsett

-West Gate, Plumpton Green