A MATURE tree just metres from Salters Road in Wallyford fell victim to high winds.

The 35-year-old maple, located opposite the Day-Today store, suffered damage to its trunk, which split in half.

It tilted over and its branches became entangled in an adjacent tree.

The damaged tree was initially spotted by local resident Anne Reuter on Thursday February 25. She in turn told Avril Nisbet, another local resident, who was out walking her dog.

Mrs Nisbet informed her father Alister Hadden, chairman of Wallyford Community Council.

East Lothian Courier: The tree is removed by a team from East Lothian Council

He alerted Mike Foy, tree officer with East Lothian Council, and Stuart Baxter, manager of Musselburgh Area Partnership, who mustered a team into action to deal with the broken tree. It was taken down and made safe by the council’s forestry squad within hours of the damage being reported.

The tree was cut up and removed the following day, with only its stump left (see image below).

East Lothian Courier: All that's left is the stump at Salters Road

Mr Hadden said: “I’d like to thank Anne Reuter and Avril for reporting the damaged tree, and for the speedy response by East Lothian Council in taking the tree down and making the area safe, avoiding any unforeseen potential incidents.”

Ward councillor Fiona Dugdale also praised Mr Foy and his team, saying: “That’s great to hear you have managed to resolve this so very quickly.”