Council call in health and safety executive after tree crashes onto busy Crewe road
The Health and Safety Executive has been called in to investigate how workers botched a felling attempt - sending a tree crashing across a busy Crewe road.
On Thursday 1 March, two were caught on video chopping down a tree, which then crashed across West Street - blocking the road and narrowly missing a passing car.
The incident happened in the week Cheshire East discussed its new policy for highway tree safety and maintenance – although this was not a tree the council was responsible for and the authority had not contracted the workers.
Chair of Cheshire East Council's highways and transport committee, Cllr Craig Browne (Independent), said: "We are fully aware of the incident involving a felled tree, which occurred on West Street in Crewe.
"We have identified the landowner and have shared our concerns about this shocking incident with them.
"We have also reported to the Health and Safety Executive, who will take appropriate action.
"We take great pride in ensuring that our roads are as safe as possible, and we have made clear in our response to this incident that we will not tolerate anyone taking liberties with the safety of the public.
"This matter now remains with the Health and Safety Executive."
Cllr Laura Crane (Labour), who is deputy chair of highways, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service she was shocked when she saw the video on social media.
She said: "This incident shows why it's so important that anyone working with trees on land near to roads or walkways is aware of the risk.
"This is why the council has strict policies in place when working on our own tree stock.
"It's lucky no one was injured this time, but next time may have a very different outcome."
Check out video footage of the Crewe tree felling incident above.
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