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Residents in Upper Hopton have demanded an investigation into the safety of the village’s aged trees after a mum and baby’s lucky escape.

Amy Lumb and four-month-old Henry were left shocked and distressed after a 40ft tree crashed through a stone wall, across a busy road and into the roof of their home.

The drama happened in Hopton Hall Lane just after 5pm last night.

No-one was hurt but the road was closed for several hours while Kirklees Council contractors cut down the giant tree.

It is believed the tree, in the grounds of a large house, had been weakened by gale-force winds.

Mrs Lumb and husband James, who had been renovating the house, were forced to leave their home last night.

It is understood damage was caused to ceilings in upstairs rooms.

Mrs Lumb’s father Peter Jagger said the house was likely to have suffered structural damage and described his daughter as “distraught.”

The Examiner understands residents in Upper Hopton had reported concerns about several trees in the village to Kirklees Council and local landowners.

Mrs Roberta Gray, of Top Meadow, said she believed the trees opposite Mrs Lumb’s home had recently been cut back.

“It’s certainly a lot lighter down there now,” she said.

“As far as we know all the trees have been trimmed and it’s made an awful lot of difference.

“People should look after their trees and there are many in Upper Hopton that need to be cut back. The problem is some have tree preservation orders on them and Kirklees has to give permission.

“It’s a delicate subject around here.”

Another resident said: “Upper Hopton has some really ancient trees. They all need to be checked to make sure they are safe.”

Mayor of Mirfield Clr Vivien Lees-Hamilton, who also lives in Upper Hopton, said historically the village’s trees had been protected with an “almost blanket” tree preservation order (TPO).

Clr Lees-Hamilton, who removed a leaning 40ft beech tree when she moved into her home, said people should maintain and care for their trees and Kirklees Council should relax TPO demands where necessary.

She added: “At the last count there was only one officer dealing with trees at Kirklees.

“If he had to go out surveying them all it just wouldn’t happen.”