‘Stay in’ alert after tree falls on house

PEOPLE were warned to stay indoors earlier this week as high winds blew a tree onto a house in West Lancashire.

The warning was given by Shaun Walton of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service after the incident on Monday night.

High winds and heavy rain hit the area over the weekend, leading to fears of flooding and damage in Ormskirk and the surrounding areas.

The fire service was called to the incident in Westhead, but no damage was caused.

A spokesman for Lancashire Fire & Rescue said: “Shaun went out at 9.51pm.

“He radioed back from Vicarage Lane, Westhead, to say he was dealing with a tree which had fallen onto the side of a house and didn’t need a crew to attend.

“There was no visible damage caused by the tree and no immediate threat to anyone.”

Writing on Twitter after the incident, Shaun said: “Just cleared weather related incident involving tree fallen onto house in Ormskirk.

“If you don’t need to venture out, my advice is don’t.”

He had earlier warned over flooding in the area, saying: “Careful if you are out there tonight.

“It’s very wet with flooded sections of roads, also blustery winds moving anything not secured down.”

Last week, the Met Office issued a yellow warning for ice over the whole of the North West as the first effects of winter begin to hit the area.

People are advised to take extra precautions after West Lancs was badly affected by floods on Boxing Day last year.