Dunstable Tennis Court. tree located on council-managed land on the boundary between 28-30 Allen Close and Dunstable Tennis Club, Playing Fields, Downs Road Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU5 4DD

The tree is causing significant issues that are rendering the tennis courts unusable and impacting the club’s activities. This area of the tennis club contains 2 ‘Mini Tennis’ courts that would be solely for the use of our Juniors.

Description of the Issue: The tree is causing the following problems: • Overhanging branches are dropping leaves and debris onto the court, damaging the surface, making it slippery and unsafe for play. • Branches are growing through the court boundary fencing. • Leaves and debris from the tree are also clogging drains around the court, leading to water pooling and additional maintenance costs . • Falling branches are posing a safety hazard. • Roots from the tree are contributing to the lifting of the subsurface. • Over the years the tree has become overgrown, impacting on the adjacent Birch tree and hedging and must also affect the residents in that part of Allen Close.

Impact of the Problem: These problems are directly affecting the usability of the court and the enjoyment of the facilities by club members. Additionally: • The club is facing increased maintenance time and expense to keep the courts clean and clear of debris and repairs to the court. • The safety of players and visitors is at risk due to potential hazards like slippery conditions or falling branches. • The current court surface is now beyond repair needs to be replaced. At a cost of around £6,000 to replace the surface, this is not a cost the club can justify with the amount of maintenance required to keep it clear. • We recently spent 4 hours (4 people) clearing this area and pruning back as much overhang as could be reached. However, we are still unable to use this area which is at present 6 inches deep in leaves.

Requested Action: I kindly request that the council take action to address this issue as soon as possible. This could involve: • Extensive Pollarding to the upper branches. • Pruning the lower overhanging branches. • Removing debris and leaves regularly. • Consider assessing the tree for potential removal if the problem cannot be resolved otherwise.

Additional Information: We have in previous years covered the surface with sheeting. However, with the amount of debris that collects here that has become impractical.

If you require more information, we would be happy to provide additional photographs, host a site visit, or further details to assist with resolving this matter.

Conclusion: I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your prompt response. Please let me know how and when the council plans to address this issue.