Council temporary closes park and warn not to visit due to safety hazards

Watford Council has issued safety warnings sent to residents via social media.

The warning comes following the storms (bad weather) that hit Watford and Cassiobury Park which resulted in some trees damaged and uprooted and fallen.

The site has been taped off as there is still a risk and the area has become classed as hazardous.

Several entrances have had barriers put in place with staff to advise not to enter the park.

A team of tree experts will be out assessing the damage today.

Flooding was seen again on the A41 North Approach Watford.

Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said, ‘Cassiobury Park took a direct hit from the storms last night and due to this many trees have suffered extensive damage. Tree experts have been in the park this morning and have recommended we temporarily close the park to keep visitors safe from falling trees and debris. This has been done temporarily whilst emergency repair work takes place to the affected trees. I know this will be a frustration to the park’s many visitors but keeping people safe must be our highest priority. The park will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.’

Where a fallen tree is big they are left on site for biodiversity. Tree timber is an important habitat for rare UK wildlife, including stag beetles. Smaller branches are chipped up and used as mulch for our parks or re-used.

If you see a tree down because of high winds, and it seems like an emergency because it’s blocking a road or pathway, contact Watford Council‘s call centre on 01923 226400, they will put your call through to one of the Tree Officers in our Parks Team. We will work closely with our tree contractor, Hertfordshire County Council, the police and fire services to clear trees and keep things moving.