Lanarkshire residents narrowly missed a huge tree crashing into their living room during Storm Dudley.
Terrified locals heard a huge bang at around 6am yesterday morning, as the tree was struck down by Storm Dudley in Kylepark, Uddingston.
It narrowly missed one couple's bedroom and could have easily fallen on to a neighbouring playpark.
Linda Ross, 75, was in shock when she and husband William, 81, were abruptly awoken by a huge crash outside their home on Hume Drive, reports Lanarkshire Live.
She told Lanarkshire Live she feels lucky to be alive.
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Linda said: “Every time there’s a storm we’ve been really worried about it. This morning, we were lying in bed and just heard this smatter of noise. It was horrific.
“We got out to look outside and lo and behold the tree’s in our front garden. Thankfully, and it’s a blessing and pure luck, it didn’t land on top of us.
“It must have been some gust of wind to blow the tree down, as it’s massive.
“We’re more than relieved that it didn’t land on us but that’s it down now and will be away soon.
“Our own front garden was smothered in it.
“Our wrought iron fence is gone and the gate has been all bashed about. Minor things like plant pots are also ruined."
She added: "I was absolutely shocked, we looked at it and saw the other neighbours were out shouting asking if we were okay.
“It was still dark so we went back to bed for half an hour just to calm down and thought 'thank goodness we’re still here and it didn’t flatten us'.
“Right now I feel satisfied and happy that it didn’t harm anyone and we don’t have to worry about it anymore - big relief all round."
The fallen tree has been a concern for locals for more than five years. The matter had previously been reported to the council, however the tree had remained in place until now.
The damage resulting from its fall affected three houses on Hume Drive.
South Lanarkshire Council workers have since removed it.
But the incident could have been far worse, says Linda, who fears at another time of day, a tree that big falling would have been fatal for locals walking nearby.
She added: “There were children playing close to it only yesterday and if it had came down then, they would have been dead. That’s how scary it is.
“We can now sleep easily tonight without the worry of the storms.”
Linda and William's son, David Ross, has been worried about his parents' safety. He said: "They've been concerned about it for years.
"My mum and dad have been living in fear, hearing the high winds at night expecting the tree to come down on their extension.
"It was quite a fright for them. They go out often taking the dog a walk, there's no doubt had they been out at the time, someone would have been killed by it. The size of it, you wouldn't have stood a chance if you were under it."
Alistair McKinnon, head of facilities, waste and grounds services at South Lanarkshire Council, said: “We were made aware that a tree had fallen this morning. Our grounds team have now been out and made the site safe.
“Our arboriculture team have not previously been made aware of any issues regarding this tree but will be on site as soon as possible after they have dealt with any other issues following the expected bad weather forecast over the coming days.”
