Residents living next to “neglected” woodland in High Wycombe have called for the owners to chop down dangerous trees "before someone is killed".

“Poor management” of Five Acre Wood, in Sands, means neighbours have been living in fear as diseased trees repeatedly fall down and damage properties and vehicles in their path.

Residents claim they have repeatedly pleaded with Wycombe District Council and the woodland owners to act however the trees remain untouched.

Edmunds Gardens resident, Nigel Gill, said: “The councils are trying to pass it off until someone dies then they will be throwing their hands up in the air saying ‘how did this happen’.

“All they say is ‘there is nothing we can do’ but they could do something if they wanted. There is clearly a danger from trees next to the road but they don’t want to clear the road – they said it wasn’t their responsibility which is ludicrous."

Concerned residents have teamed up with Bucks County Councillor for West Wycombe, Darren Hayday, and called for action to be taken before the end of summer – as they fear the woods will become more dangerous in the winter months.

Cllr Hayday said: “Lack of wood management increases the risk of more damage to property or person in and around the area.

“The owner of these woods has neglected their legal and moral responsibility to properly maintain the trees, resulting in damage to property including trees crashing down and damaging cars and into the gardens of homes. Luckily to date, no-one has been injured or killed.

“Nearby residents are scared that at any time these large trees can and will continue to fall due to lack of wood management.”

Spokesman for Wycombe District Council, Catherine Spalton, said as the council does not own the woodland removing trees does not fall under its responsibility – however if the danger is imminent the council can carry out emergency work.

She said: “We understand that local residents have some worries about the woodland and have suggested that they get advice from an independent arboricultural consultant; any findings could then be passed on to the woodland owner.

“The owner would need to be given the opportunity to resolve any significant safety issues. If it's found that that there is an imminent danger, we could use our discretionary power under The Miscellaneous Provision Act to serve a dangerous tree notice.

“Should the owner fail to act, we could do the work and attempt to recover the costs from the owner.”

Bucks County Council confirmed it is currently investigating the ownership of the woodland due to concerns about the amount of debris falling onto the public road.

Speaking to the Bucks Free Press owner for Five Acre Wood, Sue Suchowierchi, said she has been dealing with some difficult family matters, however pledged to take action in the coming weeks.

She said: “I am aware there is an issue with a few of the trees in the wood.

“We need to contact the council and ask who can chop the trees down, then we can go up there and they can show us which trees need to be taken down. We can’t just go up there and start chopping trees down without permission.”