A LARGE horse chestnut tree fell down, smashing a garden wall and a Saab convertible last night.

The tree, in Alma Place, off Cowley Road, Oxford, blocked the road to residents.

Road access from Alma Place to Stones Court residential home for the elderly was also cut off by the tree.

A Police Community Support Officer, who did not give his name, said: “Two of my colleagues came across the incident while cycling. They investigated to make sure no-one was hurt and have notified the council.”

Anna Giulia, who lives in the house opposite the tree, said: “It’s very lucky no-one has been hurt.”

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Alma Place resident and environmental officer for Oxford City Council James Leatham said: “I got home and heard this incredible gust of wind about 4.45pm.

“It’s completely cut the road off to pedestrians and residents.”

The 49-year-old added: “The people whose tree it was had their wall rebuilt recently and left a lot of room for the roots which were coming up from the ground.

“It looks like the tree was diseased as it’s very brittle. It’s so big that it probably wouldn’t have taken a lot for it to blow down.

“I was worried that it might have hit the houses on the other side and destroyed their roofs.

“Luckily no-one has been hurt, which is the important thing.”


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