AN ELDERLY couple were forced to take a hands-on approach after large tree clippings were left in their back garden – clogging up the nearby River Windrush.

John Bond-Smith and his wife Thelma leapt into action after Southern and Scottish Energy (SSE) workers failed to take away fallen branches after trimming trees next to nearby power lines.

Mrs Bond-Smith, of Rack End near Standlake, said: “I can’t imagine why anyone would leave such a mess.

“My husband is 75, and he’s got in the river to clear it out himself because they won’t do it.”

In 2007, the entire area flooded leaving many houses submerged. There was a fear that if something was not done about the this latest obstruction, the river could burst its banks again.

Mr Bond-Smith said: "It’s was blocking the lower end of the river.

“We’re only located a mile from the Thames.

“The area is quite prone to flooding, and we’re concerned."

Eventually, after weeks of chasing from residents, SSE sent workers around to clear the rubbish.

But Mr Bond-Smith is angry it has taken so long for something to be done, especially as there initially appeared to be confusion over who was responsible for clearing the mess.

They also had great difficulty contacting the electric company to speak with the right person to deal with the issue.

Mr Bond-Smith said: “We weren't able to get in touch with anyone. They said they would call us back and then didn't.

"We didn’t even know who was in charge of what.

"Our neighbour phoned someone and it appeared to be a private line."

The Bond-Smiths say the whole experience has left them frustrated.

A spokesman for SSE said the branches had now been removed, adding: "There will be a new national three-digit telephone number available for customers to report power cuts or issues relating to the network."