Chiswick Cleans Up After Storm Katie

High winds bring down trees and cause closure of Chiswick House Gardens

Large branch from tree falls on car in Quick Road - picture from @ruduss

Chiswick escaped comparatively unscathed from Storm Katie, as it raged last Sunday night and through the following bank holiday morning (Monday 28 March).

Hounslow Highways dealt with 20 trees which had fallen on or near public roads over the last few days, half of which were from private properties adjoining the roads.

The storm of 2013 resulted in several trees being brought down in residential streets in Chiswick but this year there were only two reports, the first was a large branch falling on a car in Quick Road and the second was an old cherry tree In Antrobus Road which was brought down by the storm.

One local said that the tree had been leaning towards the house for years and was a danger to the public. Pedestrians always had to stoop to pass under it.

Chiswick House & Gardens was shut on Monday morning due the to high winds. The management of the grounds closed the park after it was hit by winds of over 40mph.

At 2.35pm they posted on Twitter, "We are pleased to report that the winds have dropped and the gardens are now open!"

Kew Gardens remain closed for the whole day.

Planning ahead and work brought forward has meant that Hounslow residents were kept safe during Storm Katie, according to the Council.

Working alongside the emergency services, Carillion, who manage the borough’s parks on behalf of Hounslow Council, and Hounslow Highways, who manage the borough’s street services, attended 38 emergency callouts. All situations were made safe and all roads that were temporarily closed were opened for use by midday on Monday.

Hounslow Highways also attended 13 other incidents relating to private walls, tiles, and hanging branches, again of which were made safe for further inspection and works.

Detailed inspections and pruning programmes which had been brought forward ensured there was a safe and effective tree stock that could largely withstand adverse weather like the recent storm, said the Council.

"Hounslow Highways and Carillion will continue to proactively fell trees through planned inspections to remove any risk to residents. Anyone who has concerns in regards to trees that may pose a risk to safety, you can report it to : hounslowinfo@carillionservices.co.uk

Please send any pictures of storm related disruption to editor@chiswickw4.com.

April 1, 2016