Following the havoc wrought by Storm Pia, a portion of London Road Cemetery in Cheylesmore, Coventry, is preparing to resume regular activities on Thursday. The area had been cordoned off due to the aftermath of a colossal tree collapse on December 22, damaging around 15 graves.
Coventry City Council has confirmed that the removal of the fallen tree is slated for Thursday, attributing the delay to recent stormy weather. A spokesperson for the council explained, “We are currently in the process of cautiously eliminating the fallen parts of the tree, and the area will remain restricted until the completion of this work.”
Recognizing the impact of adverse weather conditions, the council stated, “The progress has been somewhat hindered due to the numerous incidents caused across the city in the recent bout of bad weather. However, our contractor is set to resume work on Thursday to finalize the removal process.”
Once the removal is concluded, the zone will be declared safe for council officers to evaluate the damage to the headstones. The spokesperson conveyed gratitude for the community’s patience, noting, “We apologize for the delay and express our thanks to residents for their understanding.”
During the Christmas period, the council’s emergency personnel focused on addressing immediate threats following the arrival of Storm Gerrit on December 27 and 28, bringing with it gale force winds and torrential rain across various parts of the UK.
A clergy member from St Catherine’s Church in Stoke Aldermoor shared an image on social media illustrating the significant damage caused by the fallen tree. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries despite the severity of the incident.
Offering reflections on the incident, the clergy member expressed, “The sheer size of the fallen tree branch is astounding, and my thoughts are with the families whose loved ones’ graves have been affected.” Commending the council for their overall care of the cemetery, there was a sense of disappointment regarding the unexpected incident. “It appears to be a colossal gust at an inopportune angle. Determining the extent of the damage is challenging, covering quite a substantial area. The path was entirely obstructed, and it’s fortunate no one was present underneath it at the time.”
The impending reopening of London Road Cemetery signifies relief for the affected families and the broader community. Council officers will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the damaged headstones, with necessary repairs or restoration work promptly initiated.
As Coventry rebounds from the recent bout of stormy weather, the reopening of the cemetery marks a return to normalcy for residents, underscoring the council’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
