Irene Gaffney came within inches of death when a massive tree crashed into her garden in Stockport. The 78-year-old was tending to her shrubs on Royon Drive when she heard a loud whoosh just moments before the tree plunged down, missing her by a hair's breadth.
Residents Live in Fear
Neighbours say the incident on Sunday, June 14, has reignited long-standing fears about the ivy-covered trees on the railway embankment behind their homes. Irene, who has lived there for 56 years, described the terrifying moment: 'I was just getting up to get my things together after tidying up my shrubs and I heard this whoosh.' The tree destroyed her fence, damaged plants, and struck her neighbour Janet Bailey's shed and fence.
Witness Account
Lucy Nield, 76, saw the tree fall and said: 'I heard this almighty crack and I froze. Irene got the brunt of the trunk, but if Beverley or Janet had been there they would either be injured or dead.' Janet, 71, was on holiday in Dudley but cut her trip short after learning of the incident.
Dorothy Baston, Irene's friend and neighbour, claims residents had warned Network Rail for years. 'Every house on this road lives in constant fear of a tree falling off that bank. They're not maintained. Every one of them is absolutely covered in ivy and this is what has killed this tree.'
Network Rail's Response
After the incident, tree surgeons arrived the following morning to remove the tree and repair fencing. However, Irene said she wasn't informed of their visit. A Network Rail spokesperson stated: 'We received a call on Sunday, June 14, about a fallen tree... The following day our teams went to the home, removed the tree trunk and replaced the damaged panels.' They added that a team will return to remove remaining vegetation.
Residents remain unsatisfied, calling for urgent maintenance of all trees on the embankment. Dorothy said: 'We want them to come and maintain the trees.' Irene added: 'And make good on all the damage that was done. Who is going to clear my garden?'
