RESIDENTS had a lucky escape when a five tonne tree crashed into their garden missing their bungalow by inches.

The 100-year-old horse chestnut tree plunged to the ground in strong winds around 1.30pm in Wimborne Road, Northbourne.

Terry Vale was inside the bungalow at the time but other members of his family were out shopping.

The tree flattened an archway and hedges at the front of the home, filling the front garden with its branches.

 

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A neighbour told the Daily Echo: “I was sitting in the front room reading when this mighty wind came up and I heard an enormous crack and a bang.

“When I looked out of the window I realised the tree had gone and I couldn’t believe it. It’s such a shame because all the local children get their conkers from that tree.”

Mr Vale, who has lived in the bungalow for more than 20 years, said he was lucky it had not damaged his home.

Nick Colledge from Bournemouth council’s Landscape Team was at the site within 15 minutes of the tree fall and arranged for tree surgeons to attend.

Within an hour work began to dismantle the tree and remove it from the site. This will continue today.

Highways officers were also called to deal with a huge hole in the pavement left by the tree.

  • A tree also partially blocked the road at Gravel Hill at the junction with the B3074 Canford Heath Road, Darbys Corner this afternoon.