A SECOND tree has fallen onto a home in a residential park in Swansea, just months after a similar incident. The first tree had crashed through the roof of the neighbour’s house, missing the person sitting on the sofa by a few inches. The latest tree, which hit Judith Adams’ bungalow roof in Mill Gardens Residential Park, did not cause any significant damage as it was cushioned by a utility pole and wires. Mrs Adams was left distraught by the incident, however. Mrs Adams’ daughter Claire Richards said, “If it had fallen at full force it would have come through my mother’s roof. It was only because of the telephone pole that it didn’t.”
The family believes that the tree, which stood around 10ft from the home, should have been removed from the garden long ago. They claim that another tree toppled last year onto a garage at Mill Gardens, and some of the trees close to the park homes are susceptible to falling due to their old age and shallow roots. The Taylor Leisure Group, which is responsible for the park, has been asking since January for the council to allow the removal of some trees near the site. However, the council says the tree that fell on Wednesday was not part of the company’s application.
“The tree that came down yesterday is not on council land but on land owned by the site and it is their responsibility,” said a council spokesman. “As far as the trees on council land are concerned, we have endeavoured to remove or reduce all the trees along the bank that are within falling distance of the chalets. We will continue to monitor the trees on council land as part of our routine survey work.” A Taylor Leisure Group spokesman said the company has safety concerns over some trees and has been waiting for the council to allow them to be removed.
Mrs Adams said she had wanted the tree to be chopped down since 2007 when she and her husband moved into the home. “I think they should take down any that have a possibility of falling on a home,” she added.
