HIGH winds buffeted Merseyside, causing travel delays and damage to property

Gusts of up to 55mph were recorded yesterday as a tree was blown on to a Wirral railway line and Speke Hall gardens were closed.

The Met Office said gusts could reach up to 50mph today, with warnings to motorists to take extra care.

The National Trust was forced to shut the gardens and estate at Speke Hall amid fears for the safety of visitors, while there was a warning for boat owners from Liverpool Coastguard.

A spokesman said the tide had peaked at around lunchtime. He added: “We had a large spring tide, up to 9.3 metres at its top.

“A lot of people came to the car park to have a look, which we would not advise people to do.

“We would expect in this kind of weather for a number of boats to come free from their moorings, so boat owners should check them.”

A Wirral man faces a repair bill after the wind blew his garage door clean off.

Tom Munns, of Station Road, Wallasey, said: “We were in the kitchen at about 12.30pm when we heard the noise and went outside to see it had blown right across the path. There was a man working nearby who was nearly hit.

“We’ll need to get someone to come and fix it back into place now so it is secure.”

On the Merseyrail network, a fallen tree blocked the West Kirby line, meaning a rail replacement bus was needed.

The tree fell between West Kirby and Hoylake at around 10.30am, with services starting and ending at Hoylake while it was dealt with.

A spokesman for John Lennon Airport said flights had run as normal throughout the day.