LONG-running problems caused by a tree on a route into Bromyard could be at an end following the completion of repair works.

For about four years the tree in Sherford Street has caused nuisance and disruption to both pedestrians and drivers. Because it was overhanging and the retaining wall collapsed, a section of the pavement was closed and traffic reduced to single file flow.

The lower branches of the tree, a London plane, were pruned and the retaining stone wall was rebuilt after Herefordshire Council issued the landowners with a 28-day order notice in which to find tenders to carry out the work to make the tree safe.

Mayor Nigel Davis welcomed its completion and hopes it can pave the way to further improving access to the town centre and the Porthouse and Station industrial estates. He said: “I think they have done an excellent job, it has been a bit long-winded but it’s finally completed.

"We are all very grateful to the people at Sherford House and the main way into Bromyard is looking reasonably good again.

“We are now looking forward to the county council resurfacing the road in the spring when the frost concerns are out of the way.

That’s the main designated route into the industrial estates and with that cleaned up and tidied it will be excellent.”

Town councillor Bernard Hunt said: “I am pleased they did something but I’m very disappointed with the way they did it because it will happen again. They have postponed the inevitable.”