'End of an era' as North Staffordshire village's historic tree 'ripped up'

Villagers have been reacting with sadness after a historic tree loved by generations has been ripped up by the extreme weather. The huge tree in Madeley fell victim to the strong winds and heavy rain brought to the area by Storm Bert.

It is believed to have fallen at some point this morning - and has triggered sadness in the area. Locals believe it to be more than 100 years old and it had sat in a prominent spot off Poolside, opposite The Old Hall Country House, next to the River Lea.

Now it has been toppled after gusts exceeding 40mph tore through the area. Villagers are now hoping some of the wood can be used to form a sculpture or bench in order to remember the tree - and the pleasure it gave to generations.

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Families say it had been much-loved by children who would use it for rope swings. Jill Whitmore, who was born in Madeley and still lives in the village says her children and grandchildren loved to play on the tree.

Councillor Whitmore, who represents Madeley on Newcastle Borough Council, said: "I have lived in Madeley all my life and I would play on it as a child as did everybody over the years.

"When we discovered it had fallen this morning everyone just reacted with sadness - it's a real loss to the village. It was already leaning and it seems with the weather it's just gone over."

The mum-of-three, who has six grandchildren, has contacted the borough council over it - but hopes some of the tree can be used so it isn't totally forgotten. Councillor Whitmore told StokeonTrentLive today: "We don't want it to just completely disappear and we want to consider how some of the tree can be used."

For all the latest on the impact of Storm Bert in North Staffordshire follow our live blog here.

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