Troublesome tree stump to be removed after car damage

Drew Hayes says the stump has caused problems for many motorists

A troublesome tree stump said to have caused thousands of pounds of damage to vehicles is to be removed.

Resident Drew Hayes, of Monkseaton, in North Tyneside, claims at least 10 motorists have bumped their vehicles over the past 18 months after the rest of the tree on Oakland Road was cut down.

The 72-year-old says the stump sits below the level of car and van headlights, leading to drivers not being aware it is there.

North Tyneside Council has confirmed the stump is on its "list for complete removal".

The authority cut the tree initially after a large branch was blown off in high winds.

However, Mr Hayes says the left-behind trunk has been a hindrance to neighbours and delivery drivers.

His wife recently hit it leading to a £300 repair bill for her front bumper, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Mr Hayes said: “All the cars that have hit it have had damage to their front bumpers.

"They notice it when they park up and get in the car, but then you can’t see it because it’s below the level of the headlights.

“The damage it has been causing is probably in the thousands. We are stuck with this stump and it’s causing damage on an ongoing basis and everyone is getting sick of it.”

North Tyneside Council says the stump is "already listed for removal" and its team "will complete the work as soon as possible".