A family have been left in a state of shock after a piece of debris from a tree-felling exercise was thrown through their window.

Gary and Julia Taplin, of Blake Road, on Witham's Templars Estate, had only been home for ten minutes when the incident happened yesterday afternoon.

Mr Taplin said children had been playing with bits of wood outside his dining room - but he did not blame them for the breakage.

More than 50 trees have been felled on the estate this week in order to reduce levels of damage being caused to houses, walls and pavements. The trees had been blamed for cracking walls, raising pavements and undermining properties.

The 38-year-old, who works for Witham-based MD Foods, saw two youngsters - aged either 11 or 12 - run off down a nearby alleyway.

But the dad-of-three holds Braintree Council responsible for the incident.

He said: "I can't understand why they chose to carry out this exercise in the school half-term. It's a pretty poor show.

"It wouldn't be so bad if they cleared up after themselves but the fact branches have been left strewn across the estate seems irresponsible."

The piece of wood measured approximately ten inches by five inches. Mrs Taplin added: "It's not really the kids' fault. They're bound to play with the wood but the point is it shouldn't have been there in the first place."

A spokesperson for Braintree Council said: "Obviously we are sorry for any distress or property damage caused to residents.

"Unfortunately the contractor has delayed clearing the wood but they are well aware of the problems that can be caused by mischievous children and they're expected to deal with it immediately."

Needless damage - Gary Tablin behind the window smashed when tree-fellers' debris was thown through it.

Picture: SEANA HUGHES

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