GUSTS of up to 60mph were recorded in Romsey last week as Storm Eunice hit causing fallen trees, road and train line closures and power cuts.

The town was covered by a red weather warning for wind last week meaning there was a chance that flying debris could result in "a danger to life”.

Residents experienced a power cuts in 75 postcode areas including addresses in Romsey, Sherfield English, East Wellow, Newtown and Stockbridge.

Hampshire Chronicle: Tree down on Cupernham Lane, photo Claire Treacy

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Keith Mans said: “Teams across the county council have been working hard in recent days to deal with the disruption caused by Storm Eunice, to keep Hampshire moving and ensure residents stay safe.

“As soon as the storm warning was escalated to ‘red’, Hampshire schools were advised to close, as were our Household Waste Recycling Centres for the safety of the public and our staff.

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"Highways teams focused all their efforts on clearing trees and fallen debris on the roads - prioritising main routes and those to critical services. Since then, our crews have continued to operate non-stop to clear tree and vegetation debris in the aftermath of the storm.

"With such widespread impact across Hampshire, this work will take time, as many roads and footpaths across the county might still have some partial obstructions but may be passable with care. More trees are also being found on the minor roads and we are arranging the collection and clear-up at the earliest opportunity. However, this is likely to take a number of weeks, so we do ask for people to be patient and drive carefully on these roads.

Hampshire Chronicle: Tree Down in Jermyn's Lane, by Claire Treacy

Alan Dowden, Deputy Mayor of Test Valley Borough Council, said: “My grateful thanks go out to the workers from both Test Valley Borough Council & Hampshire Highways who have worked throughout the nights and day during the last five days clearing highways and within local authority woodlands making areas safe. Also, to residents who have set to to clear the debris from the impact of the storm, from not only from their properties but from neighbours and community areas too. A difficult job well done everyone.”

Nick Adams-King, Deputy Leader, Test Valley Borough Council, said: “Our local community has proven in the last couple of years that when faced with adversity we all pull together and the challenges Storm Eunice brought proved that once more. For example those who offered support to friends and neighbours left without power, the tree surgeons and farmers who worked tirelessly to clear roads of fallen trees quickly and TVBCs bin collection teams who completed their rounds on Friday in the most difficult of circumstances. Thanks to everyone who played their part.”

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