A WILLOW tree has been branded a danger to people using a footpath.

Colchester councillor Dave Harris, of Prince Philip Road, said a branch fell off the large tree and landed on the path, between Mersea Road and Brisbane Way.

He claims the tree has not been maintained for years.

He said: “A huge branch fell from the tree and thank god no one was underneath.

“I was at home and some residents of Maryland Court and Brisbane Way called me out. The footpath was blocked with this huge branch laying along the right of way.

“Loads of people walk through that alleyway – it’s a thoroughfare for the whole estate. If someone had been underneath at the time, it would have killed the person outright.”

He contacted Colchester Council’s and “stood guard” over the branch for an hour until workers arrived to clear it away.

The council is believed to be in discussions with the land owners about maintaining the tree to ensure public safety.

Mr Harris said: “I do not want trees decimated and destroyed. I am just asking for the tree to be maintained and kept safe.”

Ian Baalham, from Colchester Council, who has special responsibility for the borough’s trees, said: “A contractor was called to clear the limb away and an officer has assessed the tree from a safety point of view.

“He has since been in contact with the land agent and has been in discussion with them regarding further works to make sure the tree is safe.”

He said the council had no legal duty to assess trees on private land which border public highways, but it endeavours to check them where possible.

The other trees alongside the footpath have been assessed and appear to be safe.