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'An act of God': 125ft toppled tree somehow misses Wolverhampton houses

The clean-up is underway after a huge tree came crashing down in Storm Doris and took out sheds and fences, but somehow avoided three nearby houses.

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It has been revealed that a 125ft beech believed to be one of the biggest trees in Wolverhampton was among the victims of the destructive storm which battered the region in February.

Bhinder Basran, who lives on Leicester Street, Whitmore Reans, with his 70-year-old father, claimed the tree, situated in his back garden, fell in the perfect spot – had it fallen a few inches either side it would have crashed into nearby houses.

Mr Basran, aged 38, added: "It was like an act of God. If it fell in any other direction it could have been drastic.

"It's the biggest tree I've ever seen in Wolverhampton and I saw it during the day swaying.

"I woke my my dad and told him to get out of the house, it was dangerous, but he was just saying 'don't worry'.

"We'd been meaning to get it cut for a long time – we had it cut about 25 years ago but it's just kept growing.

"Then I got a call from my dad, saying he'd heard a huge bang.

"It took down a few fences and sheds, but I think everyone is so grateful that it wasn't more serious - we've had no complaints yet.

"I'd just advise anyone who has a tall tree in their garden to be very cautious, just keep an eye on them and keep them down.

"I'm always wary of tall trees now, even when I'm walking the dog through West Park - it's been a lesson learnt."

The salesman, who works at Carz of Wolverhampton, said the damage caused by the falling tree will cost thousands of pounds to recover with work now underway to remove the tree.

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