Tree crashes down on OAP's home

The tree crashed through a fence from a neighbouring building site in Grange Road, Uckfield, yesterday (Thursday).

Pam Gray, 83, was at home with her brother when she heard a bang.

Her daughter, Sue Gale, said: 'At about 4.45pm last night all of a sudden there was this bang. Bearing in mind she is 83 with a heart condition, he went running out the back, she went running out the front.'

The tree, which was from a retirement home development, had fallen across the roof.

Mrs Gale said her mother had been pleading with owners McCarthy & Stone for months to cut back the trees because she feared they were dangerous.

She said she had had a letter from Wealden District Council agreeing the trees should be pruned but nothing had been done.

Paul Trofimov, from McCarthy & Stone, said workers would be removing the debris and making good any damage.

He added:'Neighbouring residents had voiced concern about the condition of several trees on site, all protected by tree preservation orders.

'McCarthy & Stone has been closely following procedure laid down by the council.

'Several weeks ago we applied for consent to trim the trees, which would almost certainly have prevented this situation.

'We had asked for the process to be accelerated in view of the neighbours' concerns but are still awaiting permission.

'Our hands are tied by procedural obligations.'

A council spokesman said they had approved work to make the area safe today (Friday).

He added: 'We were also told that other trees may be presenting an hazard, and he was told to report it, sending a photograph, to our tree and hedgerow officer.

'In cases where there may be an hazard, we usually give a decision the same day, although five days is allowed.

'Previous to today's call, the site manager last spoke to one of our tree officers on April 4, 2008 regarding the removal of tree protective fencing.'