AN elderly couple in Torfaen have said they “can’t sleep at night” and are “terrified” after a large branch from a rotten oak tree crashed through their fence.

Dennis and Lesley Smith, of Llanyravon, said the branch came through their fence and landed on their next door neighbour’s trampoline in the early hours of the morning.

The couple, who are both in their sixties, have said different branches and chunks of the tree keep falling off but they can’t do anything about due to the tree being protected.

Mr Smith, 69, said he’s worried the tree could do some damage to their property, or even hurt someone.

He said: “I want this tree down before someone gets killed. The trampoline next door where the tree fell belongs to next door’s teenage daughter and it came straight down on there.

“I don’t want to imagine what would have happened if it had come down in the day time instead of 2.30 in the morning.”

Local Cllrs Huw Bevan and Glyn Caron have both backed Mr and Mrs Smith.

Mr Caron, Labour cllr for Torfaen said: "My view is that it should be dealt with immediately.

"It is just hanging there over their house and I can't believe it hasn't been dealt with yet."

Both Mr and Mrs Smith have said they took their concerns to Torfaen County Borough Council, but were told the matter had to go to planning because of a protection order on the tree.

Although the council have told them that the tree "does not pose an immediate risk", the couple say they are still worried.

“It’s worrying us so much that we can’t sleep properly at night,” said Mrs Smith, 65. “We can’t have our grandchildren come round and play in the garden because we don’t want anyone to get hurt.”

Torfaen County Borough Council said that a tree consultant has been to examine the tree, which has not been deemed dangerous.

A spokesman for the council said: “The council has a duty to protect trees which are considered to be an amenity to the local area.

“This particular tree has been assessed by an independent tree consultant, appointed by the residents, who has concluded that it does not pose an immediate risk.

"We are dealing with this application in-line with the relevant planning legislation.”