WILLOW trees on Basildon golf course are proving a nightmare for residents living nearby.

Ian McDonald, 76, and his neighbour Graham Hammond, 57, who live on Curlew Crescent, Basildon, have complained to the council about the row of willow trees growing just behind their garden fence.

Mr Hammond wants the council to cut back the trees to half their current size because he is worried their roots are growing under his garden and towards his house.

He said the roots have already damaged his conservatory, which specialists told him was a result of the tree roots sapping all the moisture from the ground.

With this in mind, Mr Hammond, who lives with his wife Carole, 55, had the garden dug up and a root barrier put in.

However, some roots are now growing over the top of the barrier.

He said: “The whole thing has cost me more than £3,000. It’s such a headache, and soon we might have to dig the garden up again.

“Those trees are too big to be this close to our houses. The council needs to cut them back dramatically.”

Mr McDonald is also unhappy after his garden fence was partially destroyed by a large branch, which broke away during high winds last month.

Officers removed the branch, but told Mr McDonald they would not mend the fence.

Mr McDonald, who is a widower, said: “They told me I have to get it repaired and then fill in a three-page claim form, get three estimates for the work and take photographs just to get my money back.

“I assumed the council would fix the fence, since it is one of its trees which wrecked it. I don’t think that is unreasonable.”

A Basildon Council spokesman said it was looking into Mr Hammond’s situation.

He added: “The council is unable to repair any property belonging to a homeowner, as this is their responsibility.

“If they wish to pursue a claim, they must do so in writing and provide estimates or receipts for the repairs.

“Once a claim is received, the insurance section will conduct an investigation.”