Locals band together to secure toppled tree in High Barnet (From Times Series)

Locals band together to secure toppled tree in High Barnet

3:20pm Friday 9th December 2011 in News By Kate Jenkinson

LOCALS abandoned their pints in a High Barnet pub last night to save High Street's Christmas tree when it toppled in strong winds.

High Street trader Michael Kentish was working when he noticed the giant fir succumb to strong winds at around 6.30pm.

"My wife was looking out the window commenting that the winds might topple it, and just as we were thinking about it, it completely went over," Mr Kentish said.

"It went onto the road a bit, so I rushed around to The King's Head pub and got all the men to help.

"We heaved and rolled and got it back into the garden."

The group secured the tree in the garden in front of St John the Baptist Church, concerned it might be removed if it became a hazard.

The tree was resurrected this morning, placed in a deep socket to prevent it blowing over again.

"It is as secure as any other tree now and it's a bit further towards the church," Mr Kenstish said.

The Christmas tree lights switch-on was held last weekend in conjunction with the High Barnet Christmas Fayre.