GONE WITH THE WIND! Community works together to clear Storm Eunice damage

STORM Eunice battered the UK last month, with record winds recorded, causing damage across the country. 

Here in Melksham, a number of trees were toppled by the high winds on Friday 18th February, causing obstructions on roads – but local council workers and volunteers came together in an effort to clear the debris and keep the town moving. 

A tree blocking Pathfinder Way was cleared by volunteers Harvey Paris, from Rotherfield Homes and Gardens, and Bowerhill resident Brad Smart. 

Harvey said, “I saw a police car by the fallen tree and offered to help so the police officer could get away to attend other problems being caused by the storm.  Brad stopped to help on his way home as did a friend of his called Jack.  It was good to be able to help the local community with a tricky situation.” 

In Seend churchyard, one tree was felled – but villagers banded together to help clear it.  

“We got away quite lightly considering the number of trees in the churchyard, but one did come down,” said churchwarden Len Murray. 

“Luckily little damage was done to the graves it covered, none were broken and the two that were toppled were righted again. After a Facebook plea some villagers came with chainsaws and loppers and the whole thing was cleared in the space of about three hours on Saturday morning – amazing! Thanks to all of you.   

“Relatives of those graves affected may find flowers missing or broken vases /mementoes. The pictures will explain what it was like before and after!” 

A tree down in Murray Walk was quickly cleared in time for the next day’s parkrun in King George V playing field. 

“A resident reported to me that a tree was down in Murray Walk, said Sue Mortimer, who is a town councillor. “No sooner had I reported it to Highways at Wiltshire Council, it had disappeared as if by magic ! Can I say a big thank you to John Adcock for clearing the debris so swiftly in plenty of time for the parkrun the next day.” 

Wiltshire Council’s highways team say that they responded to more than 800 reports of incidents caused by Storm Eunice. And Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, between 8am and 5.30pm on Friday 18th February, received over 300 emergency calls, with many reporting fallen trees, fallen power cables and building damage. Within the same time period, there were 22 storm related incidents attended by fire crews in Dorset, and 12 in Wiltshire.