Maitland City Council will not be trimming any trees though, according to planning, environment and lifestyle manager Bernie Mortomore.

He said council would support one woman in Sempill Street who had asked for trees to be trimmed on her property, which was badly affected by the bats.

Mr Mortomore said her particular issue had been referred to the Office of Environment and Heritage.

He said council was also supportive of others in Sempill and Hannan streets who had problems with bats.

“We expect a positive outcome regarding that woman’s situation in Sempill Street, because she is the one who asked us for help,” Mr Mortomore said.

He said affected tenants should first take up the issue with their landlords.

“We never say we will cut down trees, but we are supporting a proposal by some people to trim some trees in Sempill Street,” Mr Mortomore said.

“It is not yet decided to what degree this will be done, but we can certainly try to get the bats to leave.

“In Lorn, we removed the habitat for bats and they went elsewhere.

“Certainly in Sempill Street and Hannan Street we would be looking at doing something like that – if the property owners want trees removed.

“We must get approval from the state government and the property owners first.”

On a proposal by one resident for a bat forest to be established away from homes and near the Hunter River, Mr Mortomore said: “That is a nice idea in theory.

“But bats usually go wherever they feel like going.”

READ MORE: Bat forest would solve Maitland problem: resident | POLL