Overview

• James Williams sued Bristol City Council after a 30ft ash tree fell in October 2020, destroying his garden and nearly causing fatalities.
• The court found the council not liable, stating its tree officer's decisions were within professional standards, dismissing claims of negligence.
• Williams faces £85,000 in combined legal fees and repair costs, while his home insurance covered only £3,400 of the £28,000 in damages.
• The tree, reportedly affected by ash dieback, was assessed in 2019 with no imminent risk identified, but recommended work was not completed before its collapse.
• Four years after the incident, the Williams family continues to clear their garden without council assistance, highlighting ongoing personal and financial struggles.