Dudley Residents' Desperate Plea Over Trees 'Wrecking Homes' on Newark Road
Residents living on Newark Road in Netherton, Dudley, are making a desperate plea for help, claiming that trees are wrecking their homes and blighting their lives. They have slammed Dudley Council for not listening to their concerns, with issues reportedly causing structural damage and making properties unsafe.
Structural Damage and Safety Concerns
People in the cul-de-sac say tree roots are undermining foundations, causing walls and floors to move and opening up large cracks. Drains are blocked or collapsing, leading to problems with damp and mould. The community group estimates around 18 houses are affected, including a mix of council tenants, private renters, and homeowners.
Martin Smith, chairman of the Newark Road Tenants Community Group, expressed frustration: "People's lives are suffering, it is turning them upside down. There were people who were tearful when we met the other morning. We are getting nowhere, it is never ending."
He added that the council has told residents they cannot buy their properties due to the issues, and communication has been very poor, with little resolution despite problems first being raised in 2009.
Council Response and Historical Issues
The council's current administration appears unaware of previous problems. Councillor Ian Bevan, Dudley cabinet member for housing and homelessness, stated: "Housing services do not have any recorded historical concerns about structural issues with properties on this road. However, following recent contact from the ward councillor, we are arranging a visit to the area, with appropriate specialist support, to investigate these issues further."
Information from these investigations will be discussed with residents and used to inform any future required works. However, residents report that a housing officer visited the street previously, and the latest meeting with the council was in August 2025, with promises of a structural engineer that have not materialized.
Resident Experiences and Ongoing Struggles
Residents are left living with problems they say were caused by trees planted by the council around 40 years ago. Rianne Marvin, a resident, described the situation: "The roots are pushing everything apart, they are never maintained. In the summer, the foliage makes it so dark you have to have the lights on all the time." Another resident added, "It's like living in a cave."
Homeowner Qaisar Shoaib has gaps opening up between his conservatory and house, worrying about his lifetime investment: "A lot of words but no action; when we want to sell our house the survey won't pass. It plays on our minds, it's an impact on our future."
Council tenant Rita Clarke had a retaining wall built to stabilise her garden, but it has started moving again. She said: "I'm terrified I'm going to find myself in next door's garden one morning. I'm assured that's not going to happen, but when I asked them to put that in writing, they just smiled."
The residents continue to call for urgent action from Dudley Council to address the tree-related damage and provide clear solutions to safeguard their homes and well-being.
