THURROCK Council has rejected claims it was at fault - despite residents' comments that they have been warning the authority for some time about the danger - after a huge tree toppled over in yesterday's high winds.

Amazingly, given the size of the tree in Chestnut Avenue, Grays, there was very little damage to property other than a crushed wheelie bin, and no one was hurt when the tree came down around 9am yesterday (Thursday, 11 March).

Residents were relieved of course, but also angry and told Thurrock Nub news when we arrived to film at the scene, that they has been concerned for some time about the lack of cropping on the huge overhanging branches and the fact that the tree's base was often flooded.

Cllr Aaron Watkins, the council's portfolio holder for environment, said: "The borough's trees are regularly inspected by the council's arborists with this specific one inspected in July 2019 and did not require any cropping or to be re-inspected before early 2022. This was simply caused by the exceptional high winds yesterday. It is extremely fortunate this unforeseen incident did not cause any injuries or any property damage.

"The council's grounds team were quickly on site at 9.30am within an hour of receiving the call about the tree coming down. The tree was completely removed by 3.48pm and the road immediately reopened. In line with the council's tree replacement policy, a new one will be replanted in the near future."