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Friday 22 Feb 2013

Trees to be planted along the railway in Whitstable

Region & Route:

| Southern

Trees are to be planted along the railway in Whitstable next week to replace those which were recently removed for safety reasons.

A total of 80 trees - made up of rowan, yew, hazel and field maple - will be planted along the railway at the rear of properties along Cromwell Road.

Network Rail has been in discussion with local residents and councillors about the best way to manage vegetation along this section of railway since the trees were removed in November last year.

Fiona Taylor, Network Rail’s route managing director for Kent said: “We have spoken with local people and councillors about replanting trees at the rear of Cromwell Road and have agreed to plant a variety which will enhance the diversity of vegetation in the area.

“The original trees were removed as they posed a risk to the stability of the track. These new trees won’t have this potential and won’t shed their leaves onto the tracks either, reducing the risk of delays for passengers in the future.

“I would like to thank the local people and councillors who have taken an interest in this issue and am pleased that we have reached a solution which will see new trees planted in the area.”

Councillor Ashley Clark, who liaised with Network Rail alongside Councillor Phil Cartwright on behalf of local people, said: “The news that Network Rail is to plant some 80 young trees along the railway embankment represents a positive conclusion to this issue. Local wildlife will benefit as the embankments provide a valuable natural corridor linking green spaces throughout the district and the local people who campaigned to protect this environment have played a vital role in making this possible.

“Network Rail complied faithfully and courteously with the agreement Councillor Phil Cartwright and myself made with them on behalf of local people and the way we were able to progress the situation by working closely together is a model which could certainly be used elsewhere. I am sure others will join me in thanking Network Rail for that act of good faith.”

Work to plant the trees will begin on Monday 25 February and is due to be completed by the weekend. The trees will be planted during the day while trains continue to run as normal.