Council responds to Storm Goretti: Major tree clearance underway
Telford & Wrekin Council teams have been working around the clock to keep the borough safe following Storm Goretti, one of the most severe winter storms in recent years.
So far, the council has received over 400 reports, many involving multiple trees. With the number expected to exceed 500, extra teams have been deployed to carry out urgent safety work on affected roads as well as around the borough.
Emergency overnight lane closures were implemented last night on high-speed routes such as the A442 and A4169 to protect crews working in hazardous conditions and ensure that daytime disruption is kept to a minimum.
Councillor Carolyn Healy, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Sustainability said: “We are proud of the way our crews are reacting, who can always be relied upon to be out when it counts.
“This response shows our commitment to keeping the borough safe. We are also grateful to residents for reporting issues and showing patience. It will take time to tackle the growing list as many reports involve more than just a single tree. With the compulsory closures in place along the highways, the crews have already cleared the debris of fallen branches and unsafe trees and will now complete the rest of the felling.”
To manage demand, additional support teams have joined council crews, prioritising major highways and critical routes where clearance operations will continue overnight. Crews are carrying out an initial clearance making the road safe, followed by further work to fully fell and chip the trees.
Have you seen a fallen tree? Please report it rather than assume someone else has done so. Community reports help the Council respond quickly and keep roads and footpaths safe.
Report fallen trees here https://www.telford.gov.uk/environment/trees-hedges-and-woodland/trees-blocking-a-path-or-road/
For out of hours emergencies ONLY call, 01706 393187 including blocked path or road/access to a property/snapped or blown over/fallen on to a house or car.
