RESIDENTS in a Darcy Lever street claim they are “living in darkness and fear” — as trees tower over their homes blocking out the light.

The trees, which are about 30ft tall, tower over a row of terraced houses in Top o’th’ Gorses, which some residents say means they have to keep their lights on during the day.

They say the trees look unstable and they are worried that the branches could eventually break off and cause serious damage.

Miriam Banks, aged 84, has lived on the street for 33 years.

She said: “The trees are absolutely massive — they’re bigger than the houses.

“We have compl-ained and complained to the council, but nothing has been done about it. When the wind blows on them and they start shaking, we get really frightened.

“A top branch recently broke off one of the trees and there was a loud bang. Imagine if someone was stood underneath it.”

Mrs Banks’ neigh-bour Stephanie Bromley, aged 73, added: “My house is so dark and I have to have the lights on a lot of the time.

“The trees are so tall — they’ve more than doubled in size since I moved here 15 years ago.

“I fear that one of the branches could break off and land on a car, a house or heaven forbid, a child. Someone could be killed.

“I don’t feel like enough notice is being taken of these trees.”

Bolton Council has been to look at the trees after receiving complaints and insp-ectors did not feel they caused any major issues.

As a result of the latest complaints, bosses have promised to visit the street and inspect the trees again. A council spokesman said: “We checked the trees following a resident’s letter in December, 2013, and we felt there were no major issues that needed add-ressing at that time.

“We did respond to the resident explain-ing the situation.

“In light of the issue being raised again, we will visit the site and inspect the trees as soon as possible.”