WORK to remove a ‘large, dangerous tree’ caused traffic chaos in Northwich town centre.

The large poplar tree, located on Leicester Street, split in two during high winds on Monday, April 15, and was assessed as posing a potential threat to drivers and pedestrians by landowners Cheshire West and Council (CWAC). 

The council announced a road closure between Leicester Road roundabout and Venables Road at 5.03pm on Monday April 15, as a result of the unstable tree.  

A spokesman said: "An emergency road closure is in place between Leicester Street roundabout and Venables Road, Northwich, for a large, dangerous tree near the roundabout.

Northwich Guardian: Work to remove the tree went on well into Tuesday afternoon (April 16)Work to remove the tree went on well into Tuesday afternoon (April 16) (Image: Wendy Mahon)

“High winds mean the road will remain closed until it is safe to work on the tree.”

A diversion was put in place, but council workers had to wait until wind conditions allowed them to carry out remedial work safely.

Work began to remove all or part of the tree the following morning (April 16), when the ongoing road closure was reported to be causing traffic chaos for drivers in and around the town centre.

Northwich Guardian: The poplar tree was a victim of high winds across the region on Monday, April 15The poplar tree was a victim of high winds across the region on Monday, April 15 (Image: CWAC)

Both Leicester Street and Venables Road provide access to the car parks of major supermarkets in the town, including Asda, Sainsbury's, and Aldi, as well as other businesses, including Matalan and Halfords. 

Angry shoppers took to social media, where one reported abandoning his car after waiting an hour-and-a-half to travel three car lengths with his two-year-old son.

Another claimed to have been stuck in Asda car park for two hours, while another, stuck on Sainsbury’s car park, said he hadn’t moved for 40 minutes while trying to get out.

CWAC issued a further announcement via social media at 2.49pm on April 16.

A spokesman said: “Work is continuing on the dangerous tree near Leicester Street roundabout in Northwich.

“It is hoped the work will be completed and the road reopened later this afternoon.

“Until then, please avoid the area if you can.”

Barons Quay issued its own statement at 3.29pm, when their spokesman said: “The land which the fallen tree was on belongs to CWAC, not Barons Quay. 

“The tree has now been removed and access in and out of the car park is all back to normal.

“Barons Quay is welcoming people to come down to Northwich town centre."