Gale force winds wreak havoc across the borough (From Sutton Guardian)

Sutton and Worcester Park trees take a beating in 80 mph winds

3:42pm Friday 8th June 2012 in News By James Pepper

Gale force winds have battered the borough and uprooted two large trees.

Sutton Council's park managers were up early this morning to assess the damage caused by 80 mph winds.

At least two trees were removed up by contractors today after being blown over in the night.

Trees were cleared from Bandon Rise and Hulverstone Close in Sutton, meanwhile another tree had to cut down after wind tore it in half in Beddington Park.

Bill Wyatt, assistant parks manager at Sutton Council said at this time of year, the borough's 60,000 trees are extra vulnerable.

He said: "We call it the sail affect. When the trees are fully leaved, they act as a sail and so when the wind gets hold of them the trees can really move, especially when the roots are wet like they are at the moment."

A large tree has also blown over across Cheam Common Road causing traffic disruption.

The road has been closed in both directions after a 40ft tree fell across the road, smashing through a bus stop.

No one was injured in the incident.

Jason Nunn, 36. said he saw the tree fall fom his home opposite.

He said: "I was just sitting there making a few calls on the computer, I heard something cracking, and I looked out of the window and saw it was coming down.

"It went through the bus stop with a crash.

"It was me who called the police. I ran out straight away because I was worried someone might be stuck underneath it, but luckily they weren't."

Kat Hill, 34, who lives next door to the tree, said: "I heard the crack. I thought at the time it might be an accident.

"I think its lucky its half term because at this time the roads are usually far more busy because of children travelling home from school."

"It's such a busy road I was suprised noone was hurt. Lucky noone was at the bus stop."

Do you have any pictures?

Send them to jpepper@london.newsquest.co.uk