Walker’s shock as 40-foot tree collapses on Buxton’s Broadwalk

These photos show a 40-foot tree cut up by council workers after it collapsed over Buxton’s Broadwalk - luckily overnight on Sunday when the busy pedestrian route was deserted.
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Its roots can be seen still buried in Pavilion Gardens from where it gave way - as a passing couple walks around its massive trunk.

Andy Gregory, who captured the images, described how pieces of the tree’s branches were piled up in a garden facing Broadwalk as Derbyshire County Council worked to clear the path.

Keen photographer Andy - a Buxton resident of 40 years - said the tree had been leaning over the path at a 50 degree angle for “as long as I can remember”.

Sections of the trunk lopped-off by council workers. Photo: Andy GregorySections of the trunk lopped-off by council workers. Photo: Andy Gregory
Sections of the trunk lopped-off by council workers. Photo: Andy Gregory

Retired father-of-three Andy said: “If someone had been walking underneath it they would have been killed immediately - it’s such a hefty-looking tree trunk.

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“I’ve always felt a bit iffy walking underneath it but it was a shock because we walk regularly at Pavilion Gardens and it was fine two days before.

“As far as I can see it’s fallen naturally - the roots have ripped out of the ground - so it must have been the strong winds the other night which pushed it over.

A passing couple walks around the massive trunk's roots - still buried in Pavilion Gardens from where it gave way. Photo: Andy GregoryA passing couple walks around the massive trunk's roots - still buried in Pavilion Gardens from where it gave way. Photo: Andy Gregory
A passing couple walks around the massive trunk's roots - still buried in Pavilion Gardens from where it gave way. Photo: Andy Gregory

“But it surprised me that there were no safety barriers up around the tree as workmen dealt with it - nothing keeping the public back.”

Andy, 67, who walks around Pavilion Gardens several times a week taking photos, feels the tree should have been removed a long time ago by tree surgeons.

Derbyshire County Council and High Peak Borough Council have been contacted for comment.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.