SIR – Further to a report in the Telegraph & Argus (November 30) regarding the removal of a tree on my property, where the roots are actively undermining my house, I would like to make it clear that the application was made at the behest of my insurance company.

I would prefer it to stay and be pruned and am discussing this with the insurers at the moment. If the tree is removed, the ground will heave (rise) due to the ground taking up water again and this will cause as much damage as the tree is at the moment.

Coun Martin Smith, c/o City Hall, Bradford