Westhoughton: Tree falls sparking concerns over other trees

The Bolton News reported that the tree came crashing down onto the play area in Westhoughton’s Central Park last Friday evening, July 7.

Cllr David Wilkinson received an urgent call from a concerned resident, who had been playing with their toddler in the park.

Joined by fellow councillor, Arthur Price, Cllr Wilkinson headed to the park to see what had happened.

He contacted the out of hours team at Bolton Council and a tree surgeon was on site quickly.

The tree was cut up and removed this week.

A nearby resident who saw the tree after it had fallen down said he was “surprised” about what had happened, saying there was no indication that any of the trees next to the park were about to topple.

Tree falls into play area (Image: Cllr Wilkinson)

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He said his neighbour's children had been playing on the basketball courts next to the Bolton Road park at the time.

An inspection of the other trees has now been called for to make sure they will not fall on children in the future as the tree which fell was rotten.

Cllr Wilkinson said: “The resident who contacted me told me that it was a scary moment to see the tree suddenly falling over. Luckily nobody was injured.

“We have asked for an inspection of the other trees around the play area to make sure they are all safe.”

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @chloewjourno.