Storm Eowyn Damage Sparks Safety Warnings for West Lothian Cemeteries and Parks
Residents in West Lothian have been advised to avoid visiting local cemeteries, churchyards, and country parks as the council undertakes cleanup efforts following storm Eowyn. The council’s arborist teams have been busy clearing more than 600 fallen trees across the county, with ongoing surveys at Beecraigs, the largest country park in West Lothian. The aftermath of the storm has caused significant damage, with fallen trees and headstones impacting cemeteries such as Brungrange in West Calder.
The extent of the damage has prompted warnings from West Lothian Council for residents to be cautious when accessing open spaces, including parks and recreational facilities. Visitor centres and other amenities within the parks will remain closed until the cleanup process is completed. Concerns have been raised about the safety of cemeteries due to the presence of mature trees, tall headstones, and high walls that could have been affected by the strong winds.
The recent Red Weather Warning brought about unprecedented challenges for the council, with various teams working tirelessly to restore normalcy. Several roads were closed temporarily due to fallen trees, but most have since reopened thanks to the concerted efforts of council staff. In addition to fallen trees, damage to infrastructure such as street lights and bus shelters has also been reported, further highlighting the widespread impact of the storm.
West Lothian Council’s leader, Lawrence Fitzpatrick, commended the dedicated staff for their efforts in mitigating the storm’s effects and ensuring essential services continued to operate. Despite the substantial cleanup required, council teams are working diligently to address the aftermath of storm Eowyn and restore the affected areas to their former state.
In light of the damage caused by storm Eowyn, it is crucial for residents to heed the safety warnings issued by the council and avoid unnecessary visits to affected areas until the cleanup and restoration efforts are complete. By prioritising safety and supporting the ongoing cleanup initiatives, the community can navigate through this challenging period and help restore normalcy to West Lothian’s cemeteries and parks.