High winds wreak havoc and uproot trees (From Times Series)

High winds wreak havoc and uproot trees in Barnet

4:33pm Friday 8th June 2012 in News By Chris Hewett

High winds are wreaking havoc across north London with several trees ripped out in parks and streets in Barnet.

A large willow tree damaged two cars in New Brent Street, Hendon, when its chunky rotting trunk was split in two at about 2pm.

Ron Carter, 70, was sitting in his living room having a cup of tea when he heard an almighty cracking noise.

He said: “It was an awful sound. The stump was absolutely rotten. I have said for a long time that they should just take it down – the leaves have not fallen right for a while and it looked a bit knackered.

“I bet there’s a few down around the country. When that wind blows the trees are bent right over – it has been a hellish time.”

Earlier today in Gravel Hill, Finchley Central, a silver birch smashed down on top of a red Peugeot leaving the roof completely caved in.

Tree surgeons operating on behalf of Barnet Council have been called to clear up other fallen trees in Golders Green, Cheery Tree Park in Finchley and Mead Way during what they described as “a very busy day”.

One surgeon Grant Thornhill said: “It has been a busy time with this wind. We’re out to work on the trees anyway but we’re just getting called out to deal with fallen ones today.”