A GROUP of the trees which have set neighbour against neighbour, Cyprus leylandii, are causing a headache in another location – a Forest Cemetery.
Relatives who tend the graves of loved ones at Yew Tree Brake Cemetery, Cinderford, say trees planted six years ago have become "towering giants that spread gloom".
Mrs Sheila Birt, 75, said: "My cousin and I have been complaining about the colossal, expanding firs, which spoil the area and upset relatives.
"Expensive memorial headstones are being damaged by drips which cause green staining."
She said her cousin Peggy MacManus, also 75, who lived in London, was upset whenever she came to the Forest on regular trips to tend the grave of her late husband Dr George MacManus beneath the gloomy trees.
"After his funeral six years ago they were only little – now they are huge," she said.
"They are not only growing up but out. They cut out all the light. And in spite of me complaining they have now planted another row of them on the edge of the cemetery next to the forest. It seems crazy – they will grow huge too."
She said they met council officials earlier this year and it had been agreed that they would fell every other tree to let more light in and axe the lot if this didn't solve the problem. But so far no action had been taken.
"I can't see that taking every other one down would solve the problem anyway. They would just grow out to fill the gaps. It is time they were chopped down and replaced with something more appropriate."
Mrs Birt also has a problem with leylandii bordering her own garden, and has written to MP Jim Cunningham who has raised the problem in Parliament.
"Anyone who wants to see the law changed to bring about control should write to Chris Mullen MP at the House of Commons before January 31," she said.