GEORGE NEWS - Three sisters had a great shock last Wednesday when an oak branch crashed onto their car's windscreen with an almighty bang.

The unsuspecting occupants were waiting at a red traffic light on the corner of Courtenay and Cradock streets when the branch landed on the bonnet.

The owner of the VW Tiquan, Liz Rostance, and her sisters Alta van Duvenhage and Barbara Labuschagne were unhurt.

"We were stunned by the loud crash as the branch landed on the bonnet, denting it and smashing the left front windscreen and front light," said Rostance.

Public liability
George Director of Community Services Walter Hendricks confirmed the tree in question is on municipal ground and said the owner of the vehicle has been advised to report the incident to the police, to their own insurance as well as the municipality's insurance department.

The branch of the oak tree lies on the pavement at the corner of 
Courtenay and Caledon streets.

George Afriforum Environmental affairs spokesperson Tinus Nortjé said the municipality should take responsibility for the dead oak trees in town, particularly those in the vicinity of York High School and in Union Street, and have them removed as they present a public hazard.

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