A clean up operation is underway following the effects of Storm Isha, where high winds caused damage across the borough.
The council’s tree team are remaining on standby should further trees fall in high winds.
Around 25 emergency incidents have been reported so far occurred across the borough, with clear-up work continuing this morning. Southborough Lane is currently closed this morning as a large privately owned tree fell across the road overnight, with this tree requiring specialist lifting equipment and therefore being cleared today. Southborough Lane is closed between Southborough Road and Salisbury Road, by the mini roundabouts.
Additional contractor crews have also been drafted to help clear the fallen trees or where trees have lost branches and the like.
Councillor Will Rowlands, Executive Councillor for Environment said, “Whilst our borough did not experience quite the intensity and strength of winds elsewhere in the country, we once again clearing away the effects of the Storm Isha and remaining on standby should today’s winds cause further damage. In the days to come, our street cleaning crews will spend quite some time clearing smaller debris, such as the smaller twigs etc which will amount to tens of tonnes no doubt and is a major job.”
Councillor Rowlands added, “I would like to thank the crews who were working overnight as well as the crews tackling the remaining issues today. As a reminder as well to residents, in these type of emergency situations, we always ask people to report tree emergencies by phone so we can prioritise in live time and this really helps.”
Whilst the extreme high winds are easing, residents are still being reminded that they can still report ‘tree fall emergencies’ 24/7, with advice to call the council for emergency reports that need priority. Whereas most problems can be reported online, via the council’s website, which is usually the best reporting method, if there has been a tree emergency, where a tree is blocking a road or leaning precariously for instance, then residents and others are being asked to report this by calling the council on 0300 303 8658.
Many of the trees have fallen from private property, from nearby gardens, onto the road or pavement. In these instances, then the council has responded to the emergency situation at the time and will be in contact with the owner of the tree at a later date. If a council owned tree has caused damage, it may be possible to make a claim, with details available on the council’s website.
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