LIFE in a suburban York street is like being "in a coffin" because of huge trees that stand outside residents' homes, blocking natural light and television reception.

Residents of Flaxman Avenue, in Tang Hall, say the City of York Council is not doing enough to cut back the trees which stand directly in front of their houses.

Said resident Margaret Yates: "We are in complete darkness. It was like this when I came here 19 years ago and the council needs to take more off the trees.

"We have to have lights on and we shouldn't have to do that in summer. It's like living in a coffin."

During the council's most recent visit to the street, workers cut down one tree and cut others back, but residents say more needs to be done.

David Alexander, another long-term Flaxman Avenue resident, said his television has not had adequate reception since he moved to the street.

He has recently invested in Digital Sky television and out of 600 channels, he can only receive two.

"The man from Sky said 10ft needed to come off the top of the trees to get reception. I've tried getting new aerials, better quality televisions that are supposed to give picture perfect reception, but it doesn't work.

"The council came round and they took one tree out and butchered another one, but didn't take anything off the tops. My television reception has got worse since they came."

Mr Alexander said that though natural light was not being blocked by the trees from getting into his house, he had been to neighbours' properties and seen their problems with darkness.

"You wouldn't believe it. It's like being in a room with no windows," said Mr Alexander.

Dave Meigh, head of purchasing and resources with City of York Council, said: "It's not the policy of the council to fell trees or reduce them in size unless there are safety reasons for doing so or it would benefit the health of the tree. Trees are valuable to the appearance of the city, encourage wildlife and absorb pollution.

"The trees off Flaxman Avenue are in Hull Road Park which means we must also take into account what effect any tree work would have on the overall landscape of the park."

picture- ANGRY: David Alexander and Margaret Yates who are both unhappy about the height of the trees opposite their homes in Flaxman Avenue, Tang Hall, York