Some local residents are concerned that the cutting down of two trees from alongside the railway line is the start of a bigger project.
As reported a couple of weeks ago, contractors, working on behalf of Network Rail, cut down a diseased beech tree and a lime tree. They also removed branches from several other trees on both sides of the railway line, which were growing close to the cables.
As a result of the work a damaged fence was left exposed, which in parts was only 4ft high and raised concerns about children's safety.
Cllr Melanie Connor said "I've had more complaints about this from residents than anything else - cutting down trees and the state the park was left in. People are very worried they are going to go all the way along like they did in Chelford, cutting down all the greenery in this health and safety game that they are playing.
"I can't believe you come down and cut trees down for health and safety and then leave a fence broken so children can get on the railway - it beggars belief."
Cllr Sue Joseph commented "You also get a lot more train noise."
Cllr Mike Williamson added "That's the irony of it, you'd think they'd want the vegetation to mask the noise of the trains."
Cllr Duncan Herald explained "The Parish Council contacted the parks department who came down the next day and looked and agreed. They have put in temporary solid steel fencing, about 15ft of it, in the gap and CEC has undertaken to engage in dialogue with Network Rail to tell them to mend the fence.
"My main concern was if the fence is about 4ft, trees have been taken down and the shrubbery cleared, it means there's no physical barrier between the football area and the railway line."
He added "So we have now got a fence in place and asap Network Rail will come back and mend that."
Comments
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Railways didn't used to suffer this as lengthsmen kept line side vegetation under control. Take a look at any 1950s or earlier railway picture and you’ll see a neat, vegetation free, line side. It was only in the latter years of British Railways and later Railtrack and Network Rail that such vegetation has been allowed to encroach on the railway. If Network Rail are at last realising their responsibilities and cutting it back, it's not before time. It will also allow passengers a view from the train, rather than travelling through a continuous green tunnel.
As for broken fences, these have to be repaired. Having them hidden behind vegetation is more dangerous than exposing them to view, as children can get onto the railway though such a tree-hidden break with little chance of been seen by passers by.