A DISPUTE over dead trees on a Trowbridge housing estate is likely to come to a head during the next month.

Residents in more than 700 homes on the Castle Mead estate have complained about dead trees in a field next to their children's play area and on the estate itself.

Stewart Benford, 49, of Thirsk Drive, has written to estate maintenance company GreenSquare Estates asking for the trees to be replaced this autumn.

He says that up to 40 trees have died while GreenSquare Estates says that only 20-plus trees need to be replaced.

Led by Stewart Benford and Simon Helps, the Castle Mead residents say the dead trees have not yet been replaced despite assurances they would be.

Mr Benford also complained to GreenSquare about litter being left in play areas and other public open spaces.

They have lobbied the company, part of GreenSquare Housing Association, and their local MP Dr Andrew Murrison, for action to replace the trees.

James Shackell, GreenSquare Estates Ltd’s public open space operations manager, said: “We have so far identified 20-plus trees in our areas of public open space that will be replaced this winter.

“A final check on the number of trees to be re-planted will take place in advance of the works instruction to our arborist contractor.”

Mr Benford said: “James has quoted there are 20 plus dead trees; this is not the case there are far more.

“We were also told the same thing last year and I sent them an email proving that these trees were not replaced.

“We don’t believe it will be done this year either. Saying you will do things and then don’t do it just winds up residents.”

Andrew Rossiter, GreenSquare Estates’ estate service manager, said: “We have already confirmed that 44 trees were replaced last winter.

"These 44 trees were the ones we identified as having died at some point through the year.

“The areas of open space that are cut fortnightly are cleared of litter during each visit.

“The play areas and areas immediately around the bins are currently being collected twice weekly. Full site litter picks do not take place at each visit and are organised periodically."

The company has told Mr Benford that the trees will be replaced this autumn before the winter sets in - which means any planting is likely to take place in the next month or so.