An inquest has revealed that Surrey County Council failed to carry out recommended work on a beech tree that later snapped and killed 12-year-old Brooke Wiggins. The tree, located in Banstead, Surrey, had a concealed crack not visible from ground level. Brooke died on 9 November 2024, days before her 13th birthday, after falling from a rope swing attached to the tree.
Ivy Removal Not Completed
Katherine McDonald, the council's group manager for countryside, told the inquest that the removal of ivy from the tree was classified as a priority five task, meaning it 'should' have been completed within 12 months. However, she cited competing priorities and the vast number of trees managed by the council as reasons for the delay. The work was never carried out.
Council Policies and Aftermath
The council has a policy to remove rope swings within seven days and to consider placing advisory notices in areas with multiple swings. However, no signs were erected at the accident site after Brooke's death. Following the incident, a 'serious incident group' was formed, which decided to 'monolith' the tree, reducing it to a trunk. The group did not consult the local community or Brooke's family, deeming it 'insensitive'.
The inquest continues to examine the circumstances surrounding Brooke's tragic death.
