A LARGE tree fell down and blocked off a road on the border of Bradford and Leeds last night.

"It fell down at around 10pm last night," said local resident Idris, who did not want to give his last name. 

The fallen beech tree was blocking Woodhall Lane, in the Pudsey area.

Leeds City Council's forestry team believes wet and windy conditions were the reason it fell across the road.

"I was driving on the road when I spotted it," said Idris. "I got out and took a picture because I wanted people to be aware of it.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: A tree fell across the road on Woodhall LaneA tree fell across the road on Woodhall Lane (Image: Idris)

"It caused some damage to a fence opposite as it came across the whole road.

"A lot of people turned around when they saw it, but it didn't completely stop traffic as people could get around it by going through a nearby housing estate."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: A fallen tree blocked Woodhall LaneA fallen tree blocked Woodhall Lane (Image: Idris)

When the T&A contacted Idris this morning, he said: "The road has opened up again. Someone must have cleared it up overnight. Traffic is back to normal.

"The tree itself was probably around 100 years old," said Idris. "There is a big woods and a lake around Woodhall. The area is popular with dog walkers.

"It's interesting that it was quite an old tree. Another nearby tree fell down recently."

A spokesperson from Leeds City Council said: "Leeds City Council’s forestry team were alerted to a fallen tree at 9:40pm last night on Woodhall Lane.

"The tree was a beech that had fallen causing minor damage to a fence panel and neighbouring tree.

"With the road impassable the team put signs in place to warn traffic while the tree was cleared, which was completed with the road reopening at 12:40am.

"The team revisited the site early this morning to tidy remaining debris away, with the fallen tree being returned safely to the woodland area.

"Council officers will also be undertaking a follow-on survey of the area to try and determine why the tree fell, with wet and blustery conditions likely to have played a role.

"We are grateful for the patience and understanding shown by the local community and all residents affected during the clear-up operation."

 

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