A PARENT is concerned large trees on a school’s grounds could fall down again, however the school has assured the trees are not dangerous.

Amy Corrigan, 34, of Milton Road, said the size and condition of trees within Lawford Primary School’s grounds is a large concern and worry for the family, whose two children go to the school.

She said one of the trees had fallen on their back garden cabin office causing significant damage in May, last year.

“Another obvious concern we have is if we have any more strong winds and bad weather, we are certain these trees will do further damage to our property, which obviously we do not want,” she added.

“The current state of these trees is disgraceful, and some have fallen over again in the past couple of weeks.

“Our gardens are currently covered in leaves, a lot of debris were left after the storms hit, but still no concern has been shown.”

Mrs Corrigan claims she has attempted to contact the school, councillors and plant services and she has passed this complaint on to the Ombudsman.

She added she had been trying to get to the bottom of this problem for more than two years.

A Lawford Primary School spokesman said the trees are not unsafe and the grounds are managed in line with all guidance and recommendations provided by Essex County Council and the school take its responsibility of maintaining a safe environment for staff, pupils and visitors seriously.

She said: “The school has regular tree surveys and in the last year the local authority has also completed an environmental survey, which did not identify that any of the trees were of concern.

“The most recent tree survey has not identified any dangerous trees in need of urgent action, though has recommended some action for tress not situated on the parent’s boundary.

“We are in the process of commissioning this work in line with the timescales set, because we do take this matter seriously.

“The senior arboricultural consultant, who visited the site noted that we are taking reasonable steps to maintain the trees in their opinion and commented that healthy, well maintained trees can be damaged during very high/ storm force winds and this does not necessarily mean they have not been well maintained.

“We will continue to follow the advice of the local authority and act in accordance with the specialist advice we are given.”

An Essex Highways spokesman said: “Milton Road is a private road.

“If the trees are on school premises then this is a matter for the school.

“We would encourage the resident to contact their local Essex county councillor who may be able to help resolve the issue.”