With reference to Saplings snapped by saps, (EA, February 16).

While I do not condone the behaviour of whoever vandalised the trees, as a Rodbourne Cheney resident whose property is adjacent to the verge on which these five (not four as reported) trees have been planted, I have several points I would like to raise.

There are already 12 mature trees that exist on the verge, one of which is close to my house and the roots are in danger of interfering with the foundations of my house.

I reported this to the council and asked for something to be done two years ago.

The remaining trees overhang the pavement at various points and I am concerned that the elderly residents of Rodbourne Cheney, Haydon Wick and Greenmeadow who regularly use the footpath need to step in the road to avoid the low branches.

Also it is a major problem in autumn when the leaves cover the path and make it very slippery underfoot for all who use it.

It also requires a big effort to keep our garden clear of dead leaves, so the increase in trees on the verge is not welcome by me for many reasons.

The council is incapable of maintaining the trees that already exist so why plant more? Perhaps the tree huggers from Haydon Wick would like to form a working party to trim the trees and clear my garden.

Greenmeadow would be better served in my opinion by colourful flowerbeds and not more colourless high maintenance trees.

GARY HALL

The Broadway, Swindon