Overview

• James Williams sued Bristol City Council after an ash tree on council property collapsed in 2020, destroying his garden and amenities worth £28,000.
• The court found the council's tree inspections and decisions, including a recommendation to monolith the tree, were 'competent' and 'appropriate.'
• Williams faces £85,000 in debts, including £77,000 in legal fees, as his insurance only partially covered the damages.
• The family claims the council initially admitted liability by clearing debris but later denied responsibility, attributing the collapse to a storm.
• Four years after the incident, the family is still struggling to restore their garden, now handling the cleanup on their own.