A CLEAR-UP operation has begun after high winds caused extensive damage across Penarth.

Several trees were uprooted in Penarth on Saturday, May 10, after winds reached speeds of up to 60 miles an hour.

Throughout the day trees on Paget Road, Plymouth Road, the Sully Terrace path, Baron Road, Baroness Place and Britten Road were all uprooted by the sheer force of the wind.

One incident involved a large tree weighing several tonnes blocking the entrance to Northcliffe estate, off Paget Road, before it was cut up and placed on either side.

The Penarth beacon was also blown over on Cliff Walk after its wooden base became rotten at the core and snapped.

Two other people were also injured in Penarth town centre on Saturday afternoon when the sign above Kitchener and Thomas collapsed on them.

Miles Punter, Director of Visible Services at the Vale Council, said: “The Council received a large number of calls over the weekend relating to storm damage caused by the high winds across the region. All issues were responded to promptly by the out-of-hours service response team working within the Visible Services and Housing Directorate.”

He added that there were no reported injuries from the trees being uprooted and that work was currently underway to repair the footway’s affected.

He added that many of the trees had already been removed, or were set to be removed, and that when roads were closed to deal with the clear-up they were opened again as soon as possible.

In regards to the Penarth Beacon he added that it would be repaired.

“The beacon at Cliff Walk in Penarth is a local landmark and the Vale of Glamorgan Council will be arranging its repair as a matter of urgency. Council officers will also be assessing the damage to the beacon and taking any steps possible to ensure there is no future danger to public safety in the event of extreme winds.”