Weak roadside trees 'could kill if not felled now'

Carmelo Garcia
Local Democracy Reporting Service
Paul Hodgkinson A row of spindly trees stand at the edge of a road, with green leaves on the top branches only. Some trees lie at a severe angle and look certain to fall soon. Broken branches and tree debris surround their bases. Paul Hodgkinson
Trees on the A436 and A429 are susceptible to falling during strong winds

Trees lining two roads must be chopped down before tragedy strikes, villagers have said.

"Around 100" trees on the A436 and A429 fell in recent storms, they said, resulting in damage to properties and weeks of road blockages – as well as one man breaking his pelvis.

Locals have now called on Gloucestershire County Council to urgently remove any weak remaining trees, which are on private land near Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds.

A Gloucestershire County Council spokesperson said they were "keen to ensure these trees are removed as quickly as possible".

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, local Andrew Vaughan said any trees that are leaning or broken should be removed.

He said that for "every day no action is taken", residents and drivers are "risking their lives and serious injury".

Residents said a female driver was lucky to get out of her car alive after one of the trees fell on it.

Paul Hodgkinson The exposed roots and base of a large fallen tree can be seen. The tangled roots are embedded in soil with small stones attached. A man stands next to the roots.Paul Hodgkinson
Dozens of the trees are said to have fallen, with roots of others now weakened

Another local, Paul Clark, said it was alarming the council was "showing no sense of urgency" and that work had stopped.

"There is a terrible risk to life and limb," he added.

"There are some very tall trees in the second row that in another high wind could easily come down – especially as their shallow roots have been weakened.

"Previously, it was most fortunate that nobody was killed, but I dread to think what could happen next time."

Councillor Paul Hodgkinson has been lobbying Shire Hall chiefs on the issue.

He said: "I am backing residents who are very worried about the risk which some of the trees still pose.

"Those trees which are at risk of falling need to be taken down urgently – not next month but right now.

"Anything else risks the wellbeing and property of local people."

The council spokesperson added: "The trees are on private land and we have been in regular contact with the landowner since December. The Forestry Commission is processing their felling licence and the trees can be felled once this is approved."

They explained the landowner had undertaken their own surveys to prioritise felling "and their contractors are pricing and planning the works, so we expect the works to be undertaken promptly".