TOWERING conifers have left an angry resident in the dark and demanding action from a town housing group.

Jean Jones is at loggerheads with Spa Housing Association over leylandii plants backing on to her Mayflower Road house.

The fast-growing conifers are taller than the 49-year-old's home.

She said: "They block all light into my garden and I can't hang my washing out. They attract flies and are an eyesore."

The mum-of-three said the leylandii were planted 15 years ago by a tenant in the housing association flats behind her property.

He died and the plants have not been trimmed since, she added.

Jean, a Mayflower Road resident for 31 years, contacted the housing association and was told the organisation could not cover the cost of cutting the hedges.

She said: "I take a lot of pride in my property and I want my sunny garden back."

Spa Housing Association, based in Queen Street, refused to comment.

Wychavon district councillor Peter Pinfield (Lab, Droit.West) is supporting Jean.

He welcomed proposed legislation this year which would have given authorities sweeping powers to cut down towering leylandii.

But the bill was rejected by Parliament and Wychavon is still powerless.

Cllr Pinfield said: "Mrs Jones has been very patient. It's not a big job and I hope the housing association finds time in its busy schedule to carry out the work.

"The hedge is an eyesore, dangerous and needs serious attention."