Thurlow Road

Camden Council Environmental Services Department 5 Pancras Square London, N1C 4AG

Dear Sir/Madam,

Subject: Request for Intervention on Tree Maintenance at Thurlow Road, Hampstead

I am writing to you as a resident of Thurlow Road in Hampstead, where I, along with other residents, have been facing a recurring issue that affects our daily lives and incurs additional expenses. The trees lining Thurlow Road are releasing a substantial amount of honeydew, a sticky substance that is coating our vehicles. This not only necessitates frequent cleaning, thereby incurring costs, but also affects the aesthetic and hygiene of our surroundings.

As you might be aware, honeydew is excreted by aphids and other sap-sucking insects that infest trees. The secretion is not only sticky but also attracts other insects and leads to the growth of sooty mold, further deteriorating the environment and the health of the trees. Additionally, the excessive honeydew makes the pavement slippery, posing a significant slip hazard to pedestrians, and coats gates and other surfaces, making them sticky and difficult to handle. Importantly, this issue is also adversely affecting the plants in our front gardens, with many showing signs of distress and deterioration, likely exacerbated by the sooty mold and reduced light from the honeydew coating.

Given that residents pay significant charges for parking on the road, it is disheartening to see our vehicles constantly soiled by this preventable issue, and to encounter these safety, cleanliness, and environmental concerns in our daily environment.

We understand that the council has always prioritized the well-being of its residents and the maintenance of public amenities. Therefore, we kindly request the council to inspect the trees on Thurlow Road and implement necessary measures to control the pest infestation. Possible interventions could include the treatment of the trees to eliminate the pests and regular maintenance checks to prevent future occurrences.

We believe that addressing this issue will not only improve the quality of life for the residents but also enhance the cleanliness and appearance of our community. We are more than willing to discuss this matter further and cooperate in any initiatives that could help resolve this issue.

Thank you for considering our concerns. We look forward to your support and a prompt resolution to this matter.

Yours sincerely,