A PLYMOUTH man at the centre of a dispute over his tall trees remains defiant, claiming he has broken no laws.

The Herald broke the news this week about the row between David Alvand and his neighbours in Churchway, Weston Mill.

Residents have banded together to formally complain to Plymouth City Council about the 16 Leyland cypress trees in Mr Alvand's front garden which have grown so high, they now dwarf his home.

The national media spent much of yesterday camped outside his home, where in July 2000, Mr Alvand was hit with a council enforcement notice ordering him to lower high walls he built on both sides of his garden.

His refusal led to a string of criminal and civil hearings which cost the council more than £20,000.

The fresh complaint, made under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act, has been made by a neighbour and is being supported financially by numerous others.

Council chiefs say they have launched a new investigation but said it was 'on hold' in the hope both parties could come to a amicable agreement.

However, Mr Alvand, speaking from his home, told The Herald: "I've not broken any laws.

"Why should I comment? I've done nothing wrong. I've done nothing against the law."

One Churchway resident said residents initially complained to Mr Alvand when he first planted the trees about a decade ago.

The neighbour said: "They were 2ft or 3ft high then. We told him Leylandii get really tall, but he said it wasn't a problem, he would have them regularly cut."

A council spokesman said if an agreement could not be reached, tree officers would visit the property and establish what remedial action needed to be taken.