SERVICES were called out to a residential area in Prudhoe yesterday evening.

Northumberland County Council local services and street lighting teams were called to Paddock Close in Prudhoe yesterday evening, following reports that a large tree branch had fallen close to pensioner bungalows, blocking a footpath and damaging a street light.

The footpath divides Paddock Close from Paddock Wood.

The tree is on land owned by Karbon Homes, and has not yet been cleared as specialist equipment is required.

In a statement, Assistant Director of Responsive Repairs for Karbon Homes, Jonathan Fletcher, said: "I can confirm that the trees at Paddock Close are on our land, and our in-house tree management team are on site Friday afternoon to remove the fallen branch and ensure the tree the limb shed from is safe."

Hexham Courant: COUNCIL: Northumberland County Council on the scene. Image: Prudhoe Councillor Gordon StewartCOUNCIL: Northumberland County Council on the scene. Image: Prudhoe Councillor Gordon Stewart

"An inspection was carried out on this tree last year and there were no obvious defects at the time. However, we shall be carrying out further inspections to all the trees in the area next week.

"The safety of our customers and members of the local community is our top priority and if any recommendations for remedial works arise from these inspections, we will act upon them as a matter of urgency," he concluded.

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Hexham Courant: FALLEN: The tree blocking the footpath. Image: Prudhoe Councillor Gordon StewartFALLEN: The tree blocking the footpath. Image: Prudhoe Councillor Gordon Stewart

Prudhoe Councillor Gordon Stewart said: "I attended this report with Northumberland County Council teams, who secured the area, and I spoke with some of the local residents.

"I have forwarded photographs to Karbon Homes and asked that they work with our teams to clear the area as soon as practicable.

"I have also asked them to carry out checks on the damaged tree and others in the area," he added.