PEOPLE in Figheldean are warning that trees in a wooded area near their homes need to be cut back after one came down, blocking a road and hitting cables next to a school playground.

The 17m tree fell shortly before 7am on Thursday morning, coming to rest on telephone wires in Avon Banks, and residents say about five trees have come down in as many years.

The road was closed while the incident was dealt with, and St Michael’s School was shut until 10.30am as a safety precaution until it was established that the wires weren’t electrical.

Residents Brian and Pam Drayson, who live near the trees, said they are increasingly worried about the possibility of someone getting hurt.

Mrs Drayson, 70, said: “We have been on for absolutely ages about them tidying it up because it is an absolute disgrace out there. This is not the first time a tree has come down.

“This could have happened later when the children were coming to school, or it could have gone the other way into the playground.

“And parents sometimes park out there, so it is a good job it was later.”

The couple, who have lived in Avon Banks since 1964, said the trees, planted in the 1970s, were kept nice at first but have been left to grow without any trimming for years.

“I would like it all tidied up and all the rubbish cut down and for them all to be thinned out so it is not so claustrophobic,” said Mrs Drayson.

Resident Bob Watton, 56, echoed the Draysons’ concerns and appealed for something to be done about the trees, which are leaning over towards the houses in Avon Banks.

But St Michael’s headteacher Jill Adams said she is not unduly worried.

She said: “There are potential dangers all around us but the ultimate solution to that is not to have any trees anywhere.”

The land on which the trees stand is owned by the MoD and a Defence Estate spokesman said specialists from its maintenance team have assessed the situation and the height of trees in the area and that work is planned to cut them back.

He said the cracked willow trees within 5m of the road will have the tops and branches cut off, reducing them to 2m high.

The rest of the trees would be reduced to 5m in height and any gaps would be filled hedges, with all work due to be completed by November 26.

“We will need to liase with Natural England as the site is a conservation area and any work will need to be agreed by them,” the spokesman said.

“However we do have a duty of care to ensure the safety of both our own people and members of the public and that is our primary concern.”