EMERGENCY work had to be carried out in Blandford to remove a fallen tree that was trapped under the town bridge.

On Tuesday (February 13), Dorset Council teams were at Blandford Bridge, in West Street, to remove the tree, which was trapped across the arches.

“If left, the tree could have caused undermining and structural damage to this important bridge,” a spokesperson said.

“As it was blocking some arches it could also have increased flood risk to the local area.

“Therefore, we closed the bridge for a couple of hours on Tuesday morning to bring in equipment that could safely and carefully reach down from the road to remove the trunk and branches.

“Thank you for your patience, and to the team who did the work.”

The fallen tree was trapped on the arches of Blandford Bridge. Picture: Dorset Council