A HOMEOWNER claims his bungalow is subsiding because of a tree Southend Council refuses to move.

Brian Garner and wife June, both 74, have suffered cracks in the walls of their home, in Adalia Crescent, Leigh, for 18 months.

They affect four rooms, while tree roots have also pushed up through their patio, lifting the bricks.

Mr Garner said his insurance company, Royal Sun Alliance, agreed to fund £2,000 of repairs if he paid a £1,000 excess.

The work would fill in the cracks in the walls, though the company warned they could reappear in warmer weather unless the tree was removed.

He said: “The cracks tend to appear in the summer and close up a bit when the colder weather comes, so although the insurance company is doing the work, it’s saying the same thing could happen again this summer.

“The roots from the tree outside my bungalow are coming right across my patio, lifting it up. they are running under the house, but the council’s insurers say they want more evidence the subsidence is being caused by the tree.

“I don’t know what more they need.

“I like trees – don’t get me wrong – but not when they’re causing this kind of aggravation.”

Mr Garner said he had taken the problem to West Leigh borough councillors John Lamb and Fay Evans, as well as Southend West MP Sir David Amess, but none of them had been able to help.

A council spokesman confirmed its insurance company felt there was insufficient evidence to remove the tree, so it would not be taking any action.