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Cromwell Road residents are angry at plan to cut down trees

Residents of Cromwell Road, Whitstable
Residents of Cromwell Road, Whitstable

by Sian Napier
snapier@thekmgroup.co.uk

Angry residents confronted railway staff on Tuesday after being told trees along the track in Whitstable were to be chopped down.

About 30 protesters, some carrying placards, met Network Rail representatives in Cromwell Road to voice their anger.

Jonathan Kas, whose garden backs on to the embankment, said: “We were told only on Sunday that the trees were to be chopped down but despite that short notice lots of people turned up to protest about it to Network Rail staff.
“It is not just people in Cromwell Road who are angry at the plans, protesters from other parts of Whitstable came along.”

Mr Kas, who has lived in his house for 12 years, said it was against the law to chop down trees if birds were nesting in them.

“At the very least this work should not be carried out until October,” he said. “Of course we don’t want to see the trees chopped down at all but to think of doing it now is terrible.”

Mr Kas said fellow protester Andy Malone had studied wildlife along that stretch of the embankment and said it provided cover for breeding birds such as sparrowhawks and chiffchaffs and a winter roost for starlings. Hawks also used the trees for roosting.

“The trees along the embankment also provide a corridor for important wildlife areas in the town and an important noise baffle for the people who live next to the line,” Mr Kas said.

“We have been told that these trees are to be cut right down because their roots are undermining the railway track but we actually think it is being done so Network Rail won’t have to maintain it for about 10-15 years so will save money.”

The trees affected are between the railway bridge at the traffic lights in Canterbury Road and Whitstable station.

Work has already started on clearing the trees along the Belmont Road side of the track and the trees along the other side are due to be removed next week.

Jon Crampton, Network Rail spokesman, said: “The vegetation along this section of railway is affecting the stability of the track bed which is why it has been earmarked for removal.

“A full site inspection was carried out so any nesting birds were not disrupted and residents were given notice of our intention.

“We are aware of local people’s concerns and the work has been suspended until further notice.”

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