The trees opposite the Windsor Almshouses on Castle Street are bedecked with lights at this time of year.

They are also somewhat smaller as they’ve been given an end-of-year trim following a sustained campaign by local resident Mark Whitford.

Mark became concerned about the height and breadth of the trees more than a decade ago.

He said: “I obtained a quote to pollard the trees for £1,600 about 12 years ago and in 2023 I met a Surrey Council tree expert to try and persuade him to pollard the trees, but nothing happened.

“I spoke to many residents of Castle Street who all agreed that something had to be done.”

In the end, Mark enlisted the help of local MP Gregory Stafford who inspected the trees in November 2024 and agreed with the residents.

Five months later he received confirmation from the arboricultural team at Surrey County Council they would pollard the trees in winter when not in leaf.

Waverley Borough Council had to give consent for the work as the trees are in a conservation area. Once the leaves had fallen, the branches were cut back by eight to 10 metres.

Mark Whitford and other residents welcomed the work.

Mark said: “All of the residents I’ve talked to have been delighted with the result which has been ten years in the making. Greg Stafford was most helpful in persuading Surrey Highways to finally pollard these historical trees.

“The contractor thought the pollarding was last done properly about 30 years ago, and Surrey has agreed that it will now be done every five years which is normal practice.

“The almshouses will now have far more sun, less leaves to be collected, gutters free of leaves and no more small branches littering the path and road.”