A man fears that a towering beech tree could soon destroy his house after a scare from Storm Ciara.

Peter Evans, managing director of MET Minibus Executive Travel in north Watford, was in for a shock on Sunday (February 9) after a massive beech tree branch next door broke off and skimmed the side of his house on Sarratt Lane, Loudwater.

This was not the only incident involving a tree, as Storm Ciara caused havoc with more than 600 trees blown over around Hertfordshire.

Mr Evans is horrified that the branch fell, believing that the branch alone could have caused damage had it hit the house directly.

He now fears that strong winds and the upcoming Storm Dennis, which could bring heavy rain and winds gusts between 40mph and 55mph, could make his house at risk to possible damage.

Watford Observer:

A close-up showing part of the branch which fell.

He said: “We have to get this tree cut down whatever happens.

“My wife can’t sleep in the bedroom because the tree is next to it, and if the tree comes down it will fall right on us and straight on the house.

“This is dangerous, and it could be life threatening, and the wind hasn’t dropped that much since the storm.

“We can still hear the wind at night, and it gets frightening on what could happen.”

Watford Observer:

Peter Evans is the managing director of MET Minibus Executive Travel in north Watford

The concerned homeowner has discussed with neighbours their wishes to cut down the tree as they fear it could be a hazard.

However, the surrounding addresses are covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO 231), meaning that these trees cannot be cut down.

But the council have confirmed that tree applications were approved in the past for other species of trees at the address in 2008 and 2011.

Mr Evans believes he should be seeing an urgent response to help save his house after this incident.

A spokesperson from Three Rivers District Council said: “The safety of people and assets are a priority for the council and each case is evaluated and responded to accordingly.

“Each time an application is received requesting the removal of dangerous branches or trees, if we think the situation is an imminent danger, we ask our residents to submit pictures to help assess the situation further.

“A specialist officer will then decide if the works can go ahead immediately, or schedule a visit, usually for the same day.”