Nutley children at risk as council ignores fallen tree

The 300-year-old tree fell across the walkway in High Street, Nutley, near Uckfield, during a storm in February.

The pathway, which is used by children walking to school, has also been damaged by the tree.

But East Sussex Council, responsible for removing uprooted trees and maintaining highways, has been accused of not doing enough to clear the way. 

The 300-year-old tree fell in February's storms

Two months on, there are now fears an accident could be imminent.

Charlie Stevenson, from Nutley, said: “Nothing has been done and residents are wondering when an accident is going to happen.

“It continues to be a hazard for pedestrians as school children can be seen negotiating their way past on the sloping bank very close to the busy road.”

The Nutley Hall removed the part of the large tree that fell into their grounds, though the exposed roots of its base remain.

East Sussex County Council said that work to remove the tree would take place in the next couple of weeks.

A spokeswoman said: “Unfortunately, due to its size, when the tree fell it caused extensive damage to the footpath and the work required to remove it and repair the path is significant.

“Nearly 400 trees across the county were brought down by storms Eunice and Franklin in February.

"While the majority were cleared in the aftermath of the storms there are a small number, including the tree that fell in Nutley, where additional work is required to repair damaged footpaths.

“To ensure the safety of the public we are liaising with our contractors to schedule the work to remove the tree and repair the footpath at the same time.

"We expect the work to take place within the next couple of weeks.”