An oak tree branch fell on a children’s slide in Letchworth over the weekend, rendering it temporarily unusable.

The Comet: The slide in Letchworth's Howard Park, cordoned off on Saturday evening. Picture: North Herts District CouncilThe slide in Letchworth's Howard Park, cordoned off on Saturday evening. Picture: North Herts District Council (Image: Archant)

The slide in Howard Park was badly damaged by a branch from an oak tree when it fell on Saturday.

Fortunately it does not appear that any children were using it at the time.

Councillor Jane Gray, responsible for leisure at North Herts District Council – which runs the site – told the Comet today that it is not yet clear when the slide is expected to reopen.

She said: “On Saturday, at around 7.45pm, we received a report from a member of the public that a branch had fallen onto the slide.

The Comet: The slide in Letchworth's Howard Park, cordoned off on Saturday evening. Picture: North Herts District CouncilThe slide in Letchworth's Howard Park, cordoned off on Saturday evening. Picture: North Herts District Council (Image: Archant)

“It was a large branch from an oak tree. It is rare for this species of tree to shed limbs.

“The damage was reported to the council and operatives were sent to deal with the tree. It was promptly cleared and the site was safely secured by 11pm.

“The playground equipment involved is now being made safe and replacement parts sought. The slide is currently closed and will reopen in due course.”