ROADS and pavements across Oxfordshire were blocked by fallen trees yesterday following high winds, with a motorcyclist hurt in one accident.

Gusts of up to 50mph overnight left a total of 23 trees blocking or partly blocking roads across the county.

A motorcyclist collided with a tree on the A4095 in Kirtlington near Kidlington, at the junction with the B430, at about 5.25am yesterday.

South Central Ambulance spokeswoman Gill Hodgetts said a 51-year-old man was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital for treatment following the accident on the Oxford Road at the junction with the B430.

Oxford University’s Botanic Garden and Harcourt Arboretum in Nuneham Courtenay were both closed due to the high winds.

It was originally forecast that Oxford would see winds of up to 50mph but the estimate was later lowered to about 40mph.

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Fencing was blown over in Frideswide Square in Oxford and trees blocked pathways off Hythe Bridge Street in Oxford and in The Broadway, Kidlington.

Other fallen trees blocked the A4260 Oxford Road at Adderbury, near Banbury, the A4260 Oxford Road at Steeple Aston near Bicester, and the A4155 at Reading Road, Lower Shiplake, near Henley.

Oxfordshire County Council spokesman Paul Smith said: “A total of 23 trees fell, or partially fell on highways overnight due to high winds. The council had specialist teams ready to deal with problems.”

Met Office forecasters said the strong winds were due to ease last night and today when there would be sunny spells with scattered showers.

Rain is forecast for tomorrow and Friday, with dry weather returning on Saturday.