ELDERLY people living in retirement homes are at risk of being killed by falling trees, one of the residents has claimed.

John Williams, of Stephenson Place, in Bewdley, is concerned about overgrown trees and collapsed fencing on a strip of land at the back of the properties which, he says, are a health and safety risk.

When it is windy, the "rotten" trees' branches blow over into the residents' back gardens, narrowly missing their homes, according to Mr Williams.

The damaged fencing is also worrying the 80-year-old. He fears for the safety of youngsters who, he believes, can tumble down the "unkempt" bank.

"We want the problems sorted out but no-one is taking ownership of the strip of land," he said.

"The properties were built by Cox Homes, which obtained some of the land from Dennis Fell Properties. Neither of them are admitting ownership of it."

He added: "The trees are very dangerous and our lives are at risk. It is a real health and safety issue for the residents.

"The trees are much taller than the houses and the owners are at great risk of being injured. When the wind blows, the trees move forward into the gardens. Two of the trees are rotten, so they should be taken down.

"Someone needs to help us because, eventually, one of us is going to get killed. The March winds have come and we are terrified that the trees are going to knock into our houses. I want to see the trees on the unkempt bank cut down or pollarded."

Another resident, Roger Underwood, is also concerned and said he wants to see action.

Conservative Worcestershire County councillor, Gordon Yarranton, has been liaising with Mr Williams and says he is taking up the issue. He told the Shuttle/Times & News: "The tree officer at Wyre Forest District Council has notified me to say the trees will be taken down in the next three weeks.

"I'm currently in talks with the legal department at Worcestershire County Council and I won't give up until I have sorted something out.

"It's not straightforward. We don't know who the owner of the land is as all parties are disputing it."

No-one from Cox Homes or Dennis Fell Properties was available to comment.