Residents in a quiet Derby cul-de-sac have emerged victorious with the help of Derbyshire Live after battling a well-known parcel courier over the height of some trees. Madeline Hackett, who has lived at Ellesmere Avenue for more than 40 years, described the UPS-owned trees behind her house as ‘depressing’ back in October, with residents on the south side of the street left with only a few hours of sunlight each day.
The end of 2024 marked four years since the trees – which were initially planted by UPS around 30 years ago to act as a sound barrier against the lorries in the adjoining warehouse – were last trimmed, leading to them growing “out of hand”, residents said. Speaking back in October, Ms Hackett said: “I have lived in this house for more than 40 years.
“Initially, there were just wooden fences at the back of the gardens, which then became a brick wall a few years later. We had no complaints, the walls were long-lasting, and we all saw the benefit until the trees were planted. The UPS warehouse was always quite noisy, so we knew something had to be done to prevent it – it was unbearable even back then.
“But when they offered to plant the trees, I always said it was a bad idea. I knew they would be neglected, and it was always going to be us that suffered.” Derbyshire Live listened to Ms Hackett’s concerns, along with other residents in the street, and asked UPS if they had any plans to trim the trees once again.
Madeline is one of the rejoicing residents after receiving a letter from UPS
(Image: Derby Telegraph)
A spokesperson said: “We’re always working to be good neighbours in the communities where we operate and where our people live, and we are discussing this matter with the local council.”
Now, after less than two months, the Ellesmere Avenue residents can once again look forward to the low-riding winter sun after receiving a letter from UPS in December. In the letter seen by Derbyshire Live, a spokesperson said: “On behalf of UPS, I would like to confirm that we have hired a contractor to trim the trees along the border of our property and the residences on Ellesmere Avenue.
“The work will be carried out on January 6. The trees will be trimmed in accordance with standards advised by the tree surgeon. Please be assured that extreme care will be taken, and all debris will be cleared up and taken away.”
Ms Hackett said she was “relieved” to see the letter come through the door, putting an end to the “suffering” the residents have endured. The 80-year-old said: “Without the help and kindness from Derbyshire Live our story would have never been made known or picked up.
“After we spoke, I had the Daily Mail and The Sun knocking at my door. I really thought our life in the darkness was going to continue, and I cannot thank you enough for exposing the disappointing behaviour we received from UPS. Your actions have spread the word of a small and vulnerable group of mainly elderly people who were being ignored by a global enterprise that showed only disdain for us.
“Thank you, Derbyshire Live, for helping make life easier for the little people, whose needs are so often carelessly trampled on.” Ms Ms Hackett now looks forward to enjoying the sun throughout 2025 and is also having a new bitumen roof installed on her garden shed, which she said was damaged by falling branches and dampness caused by trees.
After the letter of confirmation was sent, we contacted UPS for comment, asking what factors led to the decision to trim the trees once again. A UPS spokesperson said: “We’re committed to being good neighbours in the communities where we live and operate.
“In response to requests from local residents and consultations with experts, we are trimming trees along the border of our property and the residences on Ellesmere Avenue. This work is being handled by trained professionals to ensure the health and safety of the trees. Every precaution is being taken, and all debris will be promptly cleared and removed. We appreciate the community’s understanding as we carry out this work.”
Reform Councillor Alan Graves, who had also been speaking with residents about the trees, said: “I would like to thank UPS for their cooperation on this matter, being responsible neighbours will always be welcome and appreciated by local residents. I am delighted for the local householders who will now be able to enjoy their gardens as they once did. Everyone is overjoyed and has made their Christmas a very happy one.”