A council has defended its response to Storm Eleanor, which saw a number of trees brought down as high winds battered the UK.

Harrow Council had to cut down 15 highway trees in the aftermath of the storm, including some which were previously considered healthy.

It also answered more than 50 reports of fallen trees across the borough, including some cases where trees on private land had fallen onto the street.

A number of residents took to social media to highlight the issue of trees blocking roads and pavements, with many praising the swift and decisive action of the council in clearing them up.

A spokesperson for Harrow Council said: “Due to exceptional wind speed, a number of trees, including healthy trees, were damaged and required felling.

“We responded to more than 50 reports of fallen trees to keep our street clear and safe for people to use.

“Our continued maintenance programme for highway trees has resulted in a significant reduction in tree loss from previous storm events.”

But there were also cases where those living close to trees believed there were accidents waiting to happen and that they inevitably came crashing down during the poor weather.

One noted how a tree in Mayfield Avenue, Kenton, had been “condemned by the council” due to a root-eating fungus and that they had phoned with a reminder of this last year.

They added that it was dangerous to allow it to remain standing and, while its fall did not cause any damage, things could have been much worse.

In response the council explained that, during its last inspection in 2012, there was no evidence of root rot detected.

The main branches of this tree were immediately cleared, while tape was placed around its trunk as a warning to the public.