Gales cause disruption as storms rage

May 26 2011 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

weather

WEST Lothian was battered by 70mph winds as storms raged across the country this week.

On Monday, gales hit the area and caused damage to trees and buildings, as well as disruption for commuters.

One driver had a lucky escape when his car was hit by a falling tree.

The terrifying incident happened around 3.35pm as the man was driving on the A705 road near Seafield.

He had to be freed from his vehicle by fire crews with cutting equipment and was taken to hospital for treatment.

The road was closed at the Toll Roundabout and was cleared and allowed to reopen at 5.50pm.

Drivers on the M8 were affected by tailbacks with drivers reporting delays of around 45 minutes due to the closure of the Forth Road Bridge to all vehicles, and an overturned lorry on the M9.

West Lothian Council say their workers were kept busy in dealing with calls from the public worried about the weather conditions.

From midnight on Monday until 10am on Tuesday, the authority’s call centre received several hundred calls from members of the public, with 209 calls relating to damaged or fallen trees in the area.

Council staff from Roads Services and Nets and Land Services Arborists worked alongside private contractors well into the night to cut up and remove fallen trees that were blocking roads and affecting pavements and buildings.

And staff from the council’s Housing, Building and Construction Services are now in the process of assessing and repairing a number of council properties which reported damaged roofs and chimneys.

Council Leader Peter Johnston, praised council staff for their efforts.

He said: “Thankfully despite the appalling conditions, any immediate issues have been resolved although the clear up will continue for a while.

“Although a number of main roads were blocked yesterday evening by fallen trees, council staff responded quickly to the situations and worked tirelessly to help keep disruption to a minimum.”

And as the strong winds continued, Councillor Peter Johnston, said staff will continue to do all they can to minise disruption.

He added: “The council will continue to deal with any further issues, as they develop. We would urge residents to be careful when out and about, and take particular care on the roads.”

*To report incidents of fallen trees on public land or damage to council properties, residents can call the council’s Customer Service Centre (CSC) on 01506 280000.