Teignbridge crews start the clear up after last night’s severe weather and prepare for more storms over the weekend.
Teignbridge Council have started the clear up after last night’s storms, and is asking residents to avoid Forde Park today, while clearance of an enormous tree – that was the victim of last night’s torrential rain and winds takes place.
Last night’s severe weather brought down half of the huge lime tree in Forde Park, Newton Abbot. The tree, which is the largest in the park and thought to be the largest in the town, has been severely damaged and will need to be taken down in the interests of public safety.
Council tree specialists are on site assessing the damage and carrying out the clearance, and members of the public are being asked to avoid the area until this has been completed.
Councillor Andrew MacGregor, lead Member for Sports and Recreation, said: “It’s really sad to see such a well-established and prominent tree having to be taken down.
“Unfortunately the tree has caused some damage to cars parked underneath it, but luckily nobody was hurt. As with all our trees and woodlands, this tree is subject to regular inspections, and we will be carrying out additional inspections this weekend to monitor any other damage as a result of the predicted storms.”
Teignbridge Council’s Resorts team is encouraging people out and about this weekend to take extra care around coastal regions, and to listen to advice from the RNLI and from local lifeguards who will be patrolling beaches at Teignmouth and Dawlish Warren.
Sarah Holgate, Teignbridge Resorts Manager said: “We’re proud of the range of wonderful facilities and attractions we have on offer across our resorts, and are pleased to host high numbers of visitors to the area during the summer holiday season. However, during severe weather such as we’re likely to experience this weekend, we need to make sure everyone stays safe, as in this weather the sea can be unpredictable and dangerous.
“We like everyone to enjoy their weekend, but advise people to be extremely careful when near the coast, be vigilant and listen to advice from the Lifeguard Service. The RNLI will be issuing regular updates throughout the weekend to reflect local conditions and advice.”
Other events around the district are also affected. Newton Abbot Outdoor Market is closed tomorrow but the Indoor Market will be open for business.
Tonight’s Beautiful Bats and Marvellous Moths guided nature walk in Buckfastleigh is also cancelled, but is being re-scheduled for Friday 13 September, 7-9pm. There is also another bat and moth walk taking place at Eastcliff Park, Teignmouth on 23 August, 8-10pm. To register call Chrissie Drew on 01626 215751.
Aquafit at the Teignmouth Lido is cancelled tomorrow morning. Check the website for further updates over the weekend.
You can join us on our social media pages, follow us on Facebook or Twitter and keep up to date with whats going on in South Devon.
Got a news story, blog or press release that you’d like to share or want to advertise with us? Contact us
