ON Tuesday, May 28, a large tree branch fell in St Peter’s and St Paul’s Church graveyard, Holsworthy — but the district council were quick to react, dealing with the situation that day.

Officers attended the scene that day to carry out an inspection and the following day were seen closing certain stretches of road nearby and utilising a cherry picker to aid in removing the large branch.

Adrian Redwood, Torridge District Council’s property and contracts manager confirmed that the road was closed on Wednesday, May 29, and the council were in the process of clearing up that morning following an inspection held on Tuesday, May 28.

During the clear up process, a council spokesperson said: “Significant progress at Holsworthy church clear up operation today involving partial road closure and traffic light management.

“Whilst on site, reports came in of a further tree at Manor Grounds, Holsworthy at high level which we have also arranged to remove whilst the cherry picker is on site. Tree specialists will conduct a visual inspection of all remaining trees in that location to remove anything else that may be hazardous.”

While the commotion was underway Mother Elizabeth Burke had been away and upon her return she was full of praise for churchwarden Bob Beckford, Torridge District Council and Holsworthy Town Council for dealing with the situation quickly and efficiently.

Mother Burke said: “I can certainly say that churchwarden Bob Beckford has been a great help in liaising with Torridge District Council and also ensuring that areas of the churchyard are marked closed.

“We are all very grateful that the branch fell into the churchyard and not onto the pavement or road where people might have be more likely to be hurt.”

She added: “Torridge District Council responded very quickly to the town council in making the tree in question safe and we hope will respond just as quickly with inspecting all the trees and clearing the churchyard of the fallen tree so it can be reopened.

“There are several damaged gravestones, but at the moment it is difficult to asses the damaged as so many are covered by the branches and leaves of the fallen beach tree.”

Whilst inspections are carried out, there is normal access to the church and memorial garden.