Trees crash down as Eunice strikes

A large tree near Keynsham Rugby Club was blown over in the high winds of Storm Eunice, blocking both sides of the road in a morning marked by travel disruptions.

The A4171 Bristol Road was blocked on Friday morning for any motorists hoping to turn off the Durley Hill roundabout, or for any Keynsham drivers hoping to get to Bristol.

A fallen tree on Brougham Hayes Road in Bath led to emergency services arriving at the scene to assess the damage and divert traffic in the opposite direction. There was also a fallen tree at Charlotte Street car park that narrowly missed parked vehicles and partially blocked the route through.

Bath and North East Somerset Council thanked their response teams on their Facebook page, saying: “12:08pm: Our parks team are currently clearing a tree that has fallen in Charlotte St car park in Bath. Thank you team for your swift response.”

A town hall near Bath lost part of its roof in the onslaught from Storm Eunice. The Trowbridge building was battered by high winds amid a red weather warning for much of the South West.

Part of the town hall roof was lying in the middle of Market Street, with the building’s rafters exposed to the elements.

Schools across the Bath and North East Somerset district closed and public transport was suspended until the dangerous weather passed.

The mass Covid vaccination centre at Bath Racecourse shut amid the 90mph winds. Bath and North East Somerset, Wiltshire and Swindon CCG said people who had booked an appointment on Friday (February 18) would be contacted and “offered an alternative slot at the earliest opportunity”.

Bin collections across Bath & North East Somerset were also cancelled and residents encouraged to keep their recycling bags inside due to high winds.