Staffordshire County Council : Highways crews work through the night to tackle fallen trees

Staffordshire's highways crews were out in force during the night as heavy winds swept across the county bringing down trees and branches.

A Yellow weather warning for strong winds had been issued for the county yesterday which saw gusts of up to 70mph in parts.

More than 50 trees were brought down by strong winds and crews worked throughout the night and into the morning to remove debris from the roads and keep them clear.

Power lines in Rudyard in the Staffordshire Moorlands were also brought down and part of a barn roof was blown on to the road on the A34 at Brocton. The A449 at Himley was also temporarily blocked by a fallen tree before being cleared.

Helen Fisher, Cabinet Support Member for Highways and Transport at Staffordshire County Council, said:

'The strong winds which hit the county last night brought dozens of trees down right across the county giving our highways crews a very busy night.

'Crews were out in force across the county in quite challenging conditions to help keep roads clear and as safe as possible.

'They will be continuing the clean-up operation over the next few days and are on call around the clock so that they can respond rapidly to reports of fallen trees or debris on the carriageway.

'While the winds have subsided and the majority of roads have been reopened I would still urge motorists to take extra care in case there is debris on the road.'

Some of the roads affected include: Cheadle Road, Reacliffe Road and Camrose Hill in Rudyard; Congleton Road, Biddulph; Sytch Road, Brown Edge; A52 Whiston Bank; the Stakes in Kingsley; Stych Lane, Brown Edge, Station Road, Endon; Wedgewood Road, Barlaston; New Road in Featherstone; A449 Himley; Wrottesley Park Road, Perton; Heath House Lane, Codsall; Penkridge Bank Road near The Whitehouse; Six Ashes Road, Bobbington; and Teddesley Road in Penkridge.

People can report any obstructions on the roads or issues of flooding by calling 0300 111 8000, or at www.staffordshire.gov.uk.