A BOURNEMOUTH couple has called on the council to cut down a large oak tree which they say has begun to crack their wall. 

Christine Flood, 66, and Colin Flood, 73, have reached breaking point after spending the last 30 years calling for BCP Council to cut down a large oak tree that hangs over their garden. 

After growing exponentially since they first moved in, the couple has claimed the roots of the oak have begun to crack a back wall while costing them hundreds of pounds in maintenance. 

Christine said: "If the tree was over in the field opposite it would be beautiful but it's stuck here because no one has planted it and it's not the right space. 

"If you look at other oak trees, they're huge so this is going to keep getting bigger and bigger."

Despite efforts to contact the council, Colin and Christine said little communication has been had between the parties over 30 years. 

Although the tree was trimmed back, the couple say this just made the issue worse as the tree just grew back stronger.

Colin said: "They trimmed it once and it just made it grow more.

"It's now starting to lean and the ground can't support it much more because the ground is all silver sand. It will collapse eventually."

Colin said there were three other oak trees that were also growing in the area which were quickly removed due to fears they would affect the foundations of the house. 

He now hopes the council can take similarly quick action in removing this tree before it's too late.

Councillor Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for climate response, environment and energy at BCP Council, said: “Our arboriculture team closely monitors the condition of the oak tree in question. It is also maintained on a regular basis as part of this process.

"Currently, we have no intentions to fell this tree.

"Oaks are a haven for 2,300 wildlife species and contribute significantly to the local ecosystem as well as the broader environment.”

The council added it is not believed the tree is under a tree preservation order.