Leicestershire highways teams still on alert for storm damage

They have had a busy week following storm Ciara.

Leicestershire County Council highways’ teams are still hard at work in response to the effects of Storm Ciara.

The council says it has, so far, received more than 120 reports relating to storm damage to trees across the county.

Ahead of the weekend storm, extra gangs were called in. There were five teams dealing directly with forestry work, while highways and street-lighting teams were also supporting the response.

The weekend was extremely busy for our crews and I want to thank them for their efforts. It does remain windy so our highways' teams will continue to monitor the situation.

Person:Blake Pain, county council cabinet member for environment and transport

The county council is also encouraging residents to check for any unusual changes in their trees following the storm.

People are asked to check:

• Are there any cracks in the tree which were not there a day or so ago?;
• Are there any cracks or humps in the soil which were not there a day or so ago?;
• Are there any hanging branches in the tree which could fall?

If those signs of damage are present, residents should contact a competent and reputable tree surgeon.

Fallen trees obstructing the highway can be reported by calling the council on 0116 305 0001.

Also, the county council’s recycling and household waste sites across the county are back open today. They remained closed yesterday as a result of the high winds.