AN OAP has vowed to never chop down his 30ft tree – even though the helmet-shaped greenery has been slammed by people who live nearby.
Peter Davis, 72, says his massive cedar dubbed ‘The Big Fella’ has been the talking point of the Norfolk town for decades.
And while many love it – and tourists stop to snap pics – some think it’s an eyesore.
That’s because the tree in Wymondham has been chopped so vehicles driving by don’t hit it – and it now looks like a massive helmet.
Peter a former company director said: ”The tree has become part of the local landscape – everybody knows about it – especially bus drivers who have to avoid it. But no-one has ever complained.
“I am quite happy to consider the views of the neighbours – but there have been no complaints so the tree didn’t cause a nuisance – so it is going to remain.
“If people were upset it might be different – and I wouldn’t want to fall out with my neighbours. But as things stand, most people seem to enjoy it- and children in particular love it.
“Some critics say it blocks out the light – but it’s not an eyesore. The tree gets a haircut when it needs one which is about once a year and the tree surgeon has to use a cherry-picker to get up to the top.
“We have got really attached to the tree over the years. I have always loved it and to have it in our garden is great – it’s become a local landmark.
“I never get tired of it – I see it every day just like lots of other people do. It’s certainly not an eyesore. There was a single complaint once from a former neighbour about cutting out the light.
“But the people who have just bought the house which it over-hangs seem happy enough – it’s not as if the tree comes a surprise.
“Neighbours and locals are happy with it – and so am I – why would I want to chop it down?”
One delivery driver looking for an address in the road said: “Talk about easy to find – they just have to say it’s the giant tree house.”
Neighbour John Moss said the tree had become something of a talking point and a local attraction.
He said: “We got to a stage when the tree had to be trimmed regularly which costs £500 because of the equipment they tree people have to use. They also have to leave a gap for the street light.
“It’s not the most attractive of trees but we couldn’t bear to see it cut it down – we have all got used to it now.
“We have lived opposite it for 18 years and it certainly has got much bigger – there’s no complaints and we have got used to it – it certainly an eye-catcher.”
Mr Moss, 64, added: ”We get lots of Japanese and Chinese people coming to see it and taking scores of photographs of themselves standing in front of it.”
Tree surgeon Zak Branch who looks after he tree said: “There some miserable people around – but that tree is certainly not an eyesore.”
Wymondham Town Council said that it had no comment to make about the controversial tree.
By Nic North & Louis Regan
NEIGHBOURS have expressed fury after one resident installed a 10ft dinosaur in his front garden.
Locals claim the “eyesore” prehistoric sculpture has left kids “in tears” and has “cast a shadow” over their street.
Residents are rallying to demand that the council topple the T-Rex model which was put up by Ben Maddocks, 50, outside his gaff in Knowle West, Bristol.
“Why on earth can’t he plant a bed of daffs (daffodils) in his front garden, like anyone else would?” one neighbour asked.
“Even a few garden gnomes would look better.
“I mean, let’s be honest, it’s not really appropriate for a garden in Bristol.”
A second local claimed the creature has terrified children walking past Ben’s home and believes it should be taken down.
They said: “The dinosaur is bad enough, but the massive, bright blue shipping container it is standing on, which more than doubles its height, is an absolute eyesore.
“It casts a shadow over the street. I’ve seen little kids walk by in tears because they’ve been scared by it. Its teeth alone are almost a foot long.
“The council should make him move the container and the dinosaur. If it was a fence, it would be two metres max, or he’d be forced to remove it.”
However, others applauded the “marvellous” sculpture.
Lidl supermarket manager Lee said: “I love it. It’s a bit of fun and it’s a bit more interesting to look at than a busted sofa or a rotting old car.
“Ben is a very creative guy and I think he’s city the spot with this.
“When my nephew and niece came to stay the other weekend, I couldn’t keep them away from it.
“They thought it was marvellous and couldn’t wait to tell their friends about it.
“It’s not hurting anyone by being there, so I hope it stays.”
Another neighbour, Luke, 34, said the T-Rex is rapidly becoming a local attraction.
He said: “People come from all over the city to see it and take a selfie beneath it. Sometimes the street is crammed with cars as a result.
“But I’m totally in favour. I think it’s great to walk out my front door and be greeted by a grinning T-Rex.
“How many people get to do that every day?
“Ben’s a great guy. He built for his son. He’s just being a good dad and I applaud him for that.”
Ben nabbed the T-Rex metalwork from a garden centre for his son Noah, six, who is “into dinosaurs big time”.
“When we saw it up for sale, we thought we would buy that for Noah,” Ben revealed.
“Because of Noah being autistic and into dinosaurs, he’s got boxes, boxes and boxes of dinos.”
The family have owned the eye-catching model for three years, but father-of-eight recently decided he wanted to put it on the roof of his house.
He continued: “Ultimately, we wanted to put it on the roof of the house – but it weighs so much, about a quarter of a tonne – so we were worried it might come through the ceiling!
“So I bought myself a shipping container, which is my garage, and thought I’d put it there for my son Noah, given his passion for dinos, but also to give children something to smile about.
“I didn’t expect it to do what it’s done – but don’t get me wrong it does stand out of course!
“Noah didn’t know I had put it up as he was at school – so when he came home around the corner, he was like ‘Oh my god, my dino is on the roof!’
“He believes it climbed up there himself.
“It’s amazing – the amount of children who stop to look and smile, cars that stop to take pictures.
“It’s lovely that it is bringing a sense of smile and positivity to the community.
“Rather than having lots of negativity, it is something that is making people happy.
“There’s not a lot to smile about lately, so it’s making kids’ days.”
The Sun Online has reached out to Bristol City Council for comment.
