MORE THAN 1,100 homes lost power yesterday after a tree brought down power lines across an Alveston school playing field.

The tree, which was in a field adjacent to the St Helen’s Primary School field, collapsed onto the lines at around 3.40pm, causing live cables to fall on the school field and rendered hundreds of homes powerless.

Fortunately no one was near the field at the time as only an after-school club was left on the site and were in the process of leaving on the other side of the school.

Engineers from Western Power Distribution were quick to respond to the incident, getting power back to the majority of homes within an hour, while the rest have been provided with power through generators while the repairs are completed.

Tree surgeons were also called to the site overnight to free the dead cables from the trees.

The incident also resulted in the school postponing its intended year five and six play that evening over worries that power might not be returned, but is set to take place this evening.

“Thankfully no one was on the field,” said St Helen’s head teacher Andy Spens.

“It could have been much worse, but thanks to it being towards the end of the day, no one was at risk.”

He added: “I have been very impressed with Western Power, they acted quickly and have reassured us that every step is being taken to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

A spokeswoman from Western Power Distribution said: “To avoid risk of any possible reoccurrence, the power lines will be removed and replaced with an underground cable. This work will be carried out during the school holidays, starting next week.

“Western Power Distribution is aware that a holiday club will be in operation during this time and so would like to reassure parents that all appropriate health and safety measures will be in place throughout the duration of the work, which is expected to take around one week to complete”