By Saskia Rowlands

Copyright mirror

The devastated wife of a man killed by a falling tree is calling for a new law to prevent future tragedies. Fiona Hall’s husband Chris, 48, was walking his dog through a park in Wilmslow, Cheshire when he was fatally struck. The council knew the tree posed a risk nearly a year before the horror, but failed to remove it. There is currently no statutory requirement for local authorities to regularly inspect trees – something Fiona is determined to change with Chris’s Law. She said: “Chris’s death was utterly senseless and completely avoidable – he was taken from this world in a heartbeat, robbed of his life and from ours. “Since that day it has been impossible for me to remain idle – this new law would ensure no other family has to endure the pain and heartbreak we have suffered due to government negligence. By implementing systematic inspections, we will significantly reduce the risk of accidents caused by unstable trees. This catastrophic incident was not a result of the weather but an unforgivable failure of responsibility and maintenance.” Fiona, 56, is also calling for a national blueprint to ensure every tree is maintained to the same safety standards. She said Chris’ death has left a “colossal void” for her and their son Sam, 27, adding: “He brought endless humour, warmth, patience, love and quiet strength into the lives of everyone who knew him.” Chris, a software sales manager, was walking the family’s cocker spaniel Benson on a main path in Wilmslow’s Carrs Park on August 28, 2020 when he was hit by the falling limb of a lime tree. He died instantly. Just 11 months earlier, another branch of the same tree fell and Cheshire East Council and contractor Ansa Environmental Services were notified. But the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found no adequate inspection was carried out and the council had no strategy to manage the risks from trees in public places. The council was found guilty and fined £500,000. Around six Brits die each year due to unsafe, falling trees. Fiona’s call comes after Leona Ruka, seven, was fatally crushed by a tree in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, in June. And just last month, 49-year-old Jennifer Higgins died after being hit by a branch in West Didsbury, Manchester . After Chris’s death, the family erected a hand-carved wooden sculpture, using the stump of the tree that killed him. Visitors to the spot can scan a QR code to learn more about Chris and the need for improved tree safety. Fiona’s local MP Esther McVey is fully supportive of Chris’s Law and will call for it in Parliament on October 15. Councillor David Jefferay, chair of Cheshire East Council’s environment and communities committee, said: “My thoughts and those of the council remain with the family and other loved ones of Mr Hall – I also understand the impact this has had on the wider local community. Since this tragic incident, we have implemented a number of improvements in line with our adopted tree management strategy. Our priority is to ensure the safety of everyone who visits and enjoys our green spaces.” The government declined to comment. To support Fiona’s petition for Chris’ Law, visit https://www.change.org/p/support-chris-s-law-ensuring-public-safety-through-mandatory-tree-maintenance