A Ramsbottom resident has won a three-year battle to have a tree trimmed down to size because it left his home and nearby pathways shrouded in darkness.

Paul Davies, of Pinners Close, said many branches from a willow tree — on land at the side of his property — had grown over into his garden.

The tree has now been cut, after confusion over who owned the land was resolved.

Mr Davies says the tree had been growing into his guttering, caused a large number of leaves to fall and collect in his garden and said there had even been animals in his roof.

Bury Council says the land is owned by property management company Places for People, but the council carried out the work on its behalf.

Mr Davies said: “It is more than three years since I reported it. I have had numerous phone calls saying we will get something done. Even now, there is something running around in the attic, it don’t know what it is, maybe squirrels.”

The 48-year-old said the overhanging tree had been a personal safety hazard as it covered street lights, and that on November 9 a man aged in his 50s was assaulted on the path by two men.

He added: “The tree was blocking a street light and a man got beaten up underneath the tree, which is a bit of a coincidence.

“My sister Angela lives just across the road and she had been scared to go out.”