A SPECIALIST fire service team used chainsaws to remove a large fallen oak tree which was blocking a busy junction.

The Lexden Search and Rescue Unit, with Essex Fire Service, worked to remove rotten branches from the road, making the area safe for drivers and pedestrians.

The team was called out at around 5.50pm on Saturday, to Bromley Road, Colchester.

Gazette: A specialist team works to dismantle the fallen branchesA specialist team works to dismantle the fallen branches

Ryan Ainger, station manager, said: "It was an exceptionally large oak tree which had partially rotted, causing one of its limbs to sheer off.

"The fallen branches were causing a danger to motorists and pedestrians, so we used chainsaws to remove them.

"We worked with highways who called in a tree felling company to use a chipper to remove the debris so the road was clear again and safe for people to use.”