A housing association wrongly sent a letter to a man telling him to remove a tree from his garden despite it being in the proposed boundary.

Derek Peak, 68, of Gareth Court, in Borehamwood, was told back in December 2015 that he has to remove any decorations and planted trees from the communal areas of a residential home he lives in.

After agreeing a boundary, Mr Peak moved any and all decorations and plants into the designated area. However, he received a letter making him remove a 5ft tree despite it being in the boundary.

He said: “Affinity Sutton sent me a letter saying I had to remove the tree from the ground saying it was newly planted.

“The tree has been there for about 25 years. It has been the same amount of time I have lived here.

“They have said I need to remove it or they will have someone pull it out of the ground but I will be charged for it.

“It is in the designated boundary. I got a letter from them thanking me for cooperating and moving everything into the boundary.

“Now I am being told I have to remove this tree. I do not understand.”

For years Mr Peak has decorated his garden throughout all seasons and never got any complaints from neighbours about this.

He was told by Affinity Sutton the area was communal and did not belong solely to him but he was the one who kept the area clean and tidy.

Hertsmere Borough Cllr Michelle Vince, who represents the Cowley Hill Ward, said: “This is absolutely disgusting.

“Richard Butler and I were there when Affinity Sutton was making him move all the decorations. He was practically crying. It is clear they have just moved the goalpost now.”

Cllr Butler said the plant they are discussing has been there for a good few years and it is not causing anyone any problems.

He said: “I believe there has been a changeover of people in charge of that area at Affinity Sutton. Derek has kept in the boundary but they are saying he needs to move it because it blocks the pave. But he is the only one who maintains the area.”

Anne Brighton, head of operations for Affinity Sutton, said: "We have apologised to Mr Peak for the misunderstanding. We visited him this morning (Friday) to reassure him that the plant is within the boundary and that the letter he received was sent in error."