A Riddlesden resident accused Bradford Council officers of a series of failings in its management of woodland and highways around Elam Wood Road.

Dr Stephen Worrall delivered a brief presentation during the slot allocated for public comment.

He was also speaking on behalf of other people who live in his neighbourhood. He said the district council had imposed a blanket tree preservation order, making it impossible for householders to tackle potentially dangerous trees in their own gardens.

He said while paying inappropriate attention to trees in gardens, the council did nothing to stop more than 100 woodland trees being felled in September.

He said this was done in the Leeds-Liverpool Canal Conser-vation Area by contractors who were making repairs and installing a new power line near High Cote.

He said the council had additionally failed to respond adequately to residents’ calls for speed and weight restrictions and traffic calming measures on Elam Wood Road.

He asked the town council to investigate the matter and provide arbitration and oversight.

Councillor Margaret Ward said the issues would be looked into.

Bradford Council tree officer Simon Keenan said: “A temporary tree preservation order was made to protect the woodland around Elam Wood Road. Residents made objections during a meeting last week and as a result it is likely that amendments to the order will be made by the council as a result.

Keith Escritt, Bradford’s principal engineer for Keighley traffic and highways, said: “As the road is unadopted Bradford Council has no powers to install any of the measures requested.”