South London residents have described tree cutting along a nearby railway line as “extreme”, with the constant noise from the chainsaws being “terrible”. Matthew Shipp, 41, moved into his Hayes home with his family three and a half years ago.
The local resident said he noticed two weeks ago that trees were being felled from his and his neighbor’s gardens along the Hayes railway line. Mr. Shipp soon discovered that the work was being carried out by Network Rail in what he called the “Great Cleansing of the Earth”.
Mr Shipp told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “It seems overkill… They say it’s for the safe operation of the railroad, but a lot of these trees like the oak.” [at the end of my garden] have been there for 50 years. The railroad cannot have been unsafe for 50 years, at least not for the last 10 or 20 years when it was that big. It just feels like it’s being used as an excuse not to do the necessary paperwork.”
The Hayes resident said many of his Network Rail neighbors received a “blank” response when they raised the issue. He said that although other residents have said the work is being done for health and safety reasons, he does not recall being notified of the cut beforehand.
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Neighbors have complained that too many trees are being felled
He said: “We were upset. The first was that we didn’t receive a letter saying it was going to take place. I didn’t really ask Network Rail why we didn’t get a letter… The cynic in me says they didn’t because they knew it would be controversial.”
Mr Shipp said he agreed trees and shrubs along the railway line needed maintenance but felt the cutting by Network Rail was “serious”. He also said that the reduced number of trees at the end of his yard improved his home’s visibility from the railway line.
Mr Shipp said: “With the big trees and such that just reduces that a little bit. I don’t expect my back garden to be a completely private area. I have neighbors who can see inside, I have a railroad below. I expect people to look, but you kind of hope they’re looking through the trees and not straight in the eye.”
James Tinker, 43, lives in Elmers End and also lives on the Hayes line. He said when he checked Bromley Council’s website he got the impression that the trees in the borough were protected by a tree protection ordinance. However, the local resident said he received a different reaction when he raised the issue with the council.
He told the LDRS: “The Bromley Council’s argument is that it’s a health and safety issue, so Network Rail can do whatever they want… Why now?” These trees have been around for 100 years, some date back probably from the Victorian period. I think most people think it’s just a cost-cutting measure so they don’t have to tend the trees.”
A before and after photo of the oak tree at the end of Mr Shipp’s garden(Image: Matthew Shipp)
Mr Tinker said many local residents are concerned about the impact of tree pruning on climate change and biodiversity in the area. He said some of his neighbors claimed to have seen birds flying in and out of the target trees.
He said, “It seems so extreme, I can’t believe no one is stopping and asking if that’s really the way to go when they’re doing this.” I think they should replace any trees they cut down. Even if it’s not on the same land, donate some money to tree planting programs.”
Joanna Smith, 39, has lived in Hayes for seven years. Workers told her that Network Rail was doing the work to improve “driver visibility.” The local resident said that while she felt safety should be a priority, the noise from the work was “terrible”.
She told the LDRS: “You only hear chainsaws all day. I work from home and had to put headphones on because it was just unforgiving. The noise is so bad, it’s just constant.”
Mr Smith said she was also unaware of the work before it was carried out and only received a letter from Network Rail two weeks after it began. The local resident said she would prefer the trees along the line to be trimmed annually.
She said: “My daughter, who is eight, looked out and was devastated. She said, “What happened?” because you can just see those stumps… I think they could have used a more environmentally friendly approach, instead of saying flat-out, “We just cut down every tree but one stump that’s on our land.” stands.” That is what they did.”
The work is intended to “make the trains run safely and on time”
A Network Rail spokesman told the LDRS that work to manage trees and other vegetation was ongoing on the railway line between Elmers End station and Hayes station to ensure trains ran safely and on time. They also said the safety of the public and staff is their top priority as the work is carried out.
They said: “This is significant work including the removal of a number of trees which are protected by tree protection ordinances and are currently a hazard to the railway. We have therefore worked closely with Bromley Council who are supporting this work.” We take our responsibilities to the local environment and its wildlife very seriously and before undertaking any vegetation work a detailed ecological survey is always carried out and all relevant steps are taken to to protect wildlife in the region.”
The spokesman said a letter had been sent to all properties along the railway line before work began. They also said Network Rail’s community relations team has spoken to and responded to all residents who have been contacted.
They added: “We would like to thank local residents for their patience and understanding while we complete this important work.” Bromley Council has been asked for comment but had not responded at the time of publication.
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