On Sat, 03 Jun 2006 10:47:02 +0100, Broadback
wrote:

Thank you all for your replies, I will try some other tree surgeons,
this one was the only one who has given me a written estimate out off
the first batch I have tried. Ideally I wanted one who would deal with
the local council to get the removal permission, most want the
permission first, so I will apply to the council myself and see how I fare.

If the procedure is the same where you are as in Dorset, getting
permission is simply a matter of filling in a couple of sheets of
paper from the local council and waiting for a couple of weeks.

As others have said, switching off the supply seems like over-kill. I
recently had some builders on the roof, within 10-15 feet of a similar
overhead supply and the electricity board came out and put bright
yellow plastic sheathing on the cable.

That, plus removing the overhead to my house and connecting up the
replacement underground supply (which I'd installed) cost me ~ £2,000
but that included the cost of the armoured cable and a generator for
the day (so my neighbour could continue work)

Cheers,

John