RESIDENTS say they are being left in the dark by badly-sited trees behind their gardens.

Neighbours in Egerton want them chopped down because they block out the sunlight.

Around 17 trees are clustered together in a 40ft space on a field behind houses in Upper Mead.

Some trees are growing just metres from residents' back fences and leaving gardens constantly in the shade.

Resident Joyce Smith has contacted Bolton Council on several occasions and is calling for action.

She said: "These trees seem to have been planted willy-nilly with sheer abandon.

"From 4pm onwards, there is virtually no light and my garden is covered in shadows.

"It sometimes seems like it's nighttime when it's really the middle of the day."

Mrs Smith is keen to put a lawn in her back garden and grow fruit and vegetables.

But the lack of sunlight is stopping her and she says she has had to cover her garden with paving stones instead.

She added: "I'm not in favour of cutting trees down, but these trees have been planted so haphazardly, it's unbelievable."

Residents also fear that the trees could create more problems in the future when roots encroach under their gardens.

The area of common land is frequently used by children playing rounders or football.

A council spokesman said: "They were planted appropriately but require some thinning out now that they are established. This work will be carried out over the winter."

People in Tonge Park Avenue are experiencing a similar problem with ash and lime trees also leaving their properties in the shadows.

More than 50 residents failed in a bid last month to have nine trees cut down.