The saws are out for a row of troublesome trees which obscure the view of a beautiful listed building in Wombourne.

The Bratch Pumping Station is an 1890s grade two listed steam house and there are only 50 of its kind in England.

The building is unique because of its gothic style.

It has two huge vertical triple expansion steam engines making it look like a fairy castle but it is currently completely obscured by a row of four leylandii conifers.

Read the full story in the Express & Star.

The saws are out for a row of troublesome trees which obscure the view of a beautiful listed building in Wombourne.

The Bratch Pumping Station is an 1890s grade two listed steam house and there are only 50 of its kind in England.

The building is unique because of its gothic style.

It has two huge vertical triple expansion steam engines making it look like a fairy castle but it is currently completely obscured by a row of four leylandii conifers.

Community group Friends of The Bratch are trying to get the trees removed or trimmed back. The pump house owners Severn Trent Water agree but because it is in a conservation area the trees are protected. Secretary of the group David Curtis said: “South Staffordshire Council believes the trees may have be planted when the pump house was built in which case they are integral and must stay but I believe they are no more than 40 years old because several members of our group can recall open views of the frontage in the 1950s.

“Some Wombourne residents who lived in the area also recall similar open views.”

Anyone with evidence of The Bratch’s existence prior to the Leylandii planting can contact The Friends of The Bratch on admin@thebratch.org.