FED-UP residents living in the shadows of giant conifer trees claim they are being prevented from enjoying their gardens.

Residents of Meon Road in Boscombe East have spent more than 10 years asking Bournemouth council to do something about the conifers, which are on council land at Swanmore tennis courts.

Most of the residents moved in when the trees were unobtrusive but they have grown rapidly in the past few years and now stand at more than 18 metres tall. It’s thought they could grow up to 30 metres high.

Residents say the trees constantly drop debris into their gardens and block out natural light.

But Bournemouth Council said they will not remove healthy trees and that the conifers do not meet their pruning policy.

Mary Jarvis, 74, is a Bournemouth in Bloom award-winning gardener but said she cannot now keep her garden safe and tidy.

“I’ve got photos from when I moved in here that show the trees never used to be an issue,” she said.

“I would love to be able to sit at the bottom of my garden and have a meal or a drink but it is simply not possible because of the sheer amount of debris falling.”

Her neighbour Sara Jones, said: “Every year we politely ask the council to do something about it but every year our request is declined.”

Parks manager Andy McDonald said: “We have over a period of time been in regular contact with residents on this matter, including on-site visits in order to explain the council’s position on what appropriate works we will undertake.

“Any identified tree works have been undertaken, but will have been in accordance with good arboricultural practice in order to maintain a healthy tree. It is not our policy to remove healthy trees, being a last resort only if the tree posed a potential hazard.”