DORSET Council has responded to fears of a Dorchester resident about a tree near her home by saying the authority has checked it and it is safe.

Margaret Newman had expressed concern about the mature tree near her home on Grosvenor Close, saying she believes it is unsafe and that when there is bad weather branches fall into her garden.

The council has visited the tree, sited near the junction of Grosvenor Road and Grosvenor Close. and workers have removed some parts of its root growth known as 'suckers' but believe it is safe, saying: "The council's Greenspace team have been in contact with the resident to resolve any issues, and a full inspection of the tree by our arboriculture officer has shown it to be healthy and showing no signs of being dangerous.

"We will be putting in measures to make sure the 'sucker' growth is controlled and reduced."