A COUPLE are calling for an tree outside their house to be cut down after a branch fell on their son.

Martin and Astral Blanchard, of Colburn Lane, Colburn, say they have suffered three years of anxiety because of the oak.

Their six-year-old son, Ethan, was injured when a branch fell on him.

The boy also needed medical treatment when bird muck fell from the tree and went in his eye.

Mr Blanchard, 38, said: "The roots are lifting up our path and you can't use the front door of the house during the summer without bird muck falling on you.

"We've had several complaints about branches hitting people and some people have even threatened to sue. A branch even broke our bedroom window."

Mr Blanchard said he has appealed to the local authorities to have the tree felled, but without success.

"It appears to be in no-man's land and nobody will take responsibility," he said.

Mike Woodford, area manager for North Yorkshire County Council's highways department, said he had no problem with the tree being chopped down, as long as the district and town councils had no objections.

Helen Grant, from Colburn Town Council, said: "Although I appreciate the amenity value of the tree, I cannot understand how a tree can be considered more important than danger to passers-by and the family who live in the property."

Officers from Richmondshire District Council were unable to find any records on the tree.