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They're off the rails
• The problem of noise and dirt from the track is not
unique to the residents of Broadfield (Rail crash fears mean
estate loses battle to save trees, March 2).
Near Birmingham I have seen a tall fence – some six
metres high at least – on one side of the rail track, behind
which are growing an even taller (perhaps 12 metres) row of
coniferous trees. These were evidently put in place to deal
with the same problem. So, a better solution to the one currently
proposed by Camden and Network Rail is certainly possible.
I cannot believe that a hedge of two metres height will provide
adequate protection for the residents.
I have not entirely given up on the possibility that the poplars
may yet be saved. This business should serve as a wake-up call
to all the residents of Camden.
Magnus Nielsen
Finchley Road, NW3
• By the time anyone reads this letter it will probably
be too late to save our 30 beautiful trees in West Hampstead
that face the axe.
The trees have been there since the 1950s and provide a
natural barrier to protect residents from the railway. They
are green and glorious and they transform our estate in summer
and are certainly no more dangerous than trees in the park.
It was made very clear from the start when Network Rail swept
through our estate that the company regarded them as a maintenance
liability. It was perhaps difficult to have confidence when
an engineer announced that all the poplars would be removed
– regardless of any investigation. We know from the aboricultural
report that more than one third of the trees have ‘no disease
proven’ yet there are also bushes being removed –
more pointless destruction.
Network Rail have chosen to ignore the report which states that:
“With careful selection it will be possible to retain a
limited amount of vegetation in the area.
“This may help to appease residents by retaining a partial
screen.”
Network Rail have also refused to answer questions regarding
their policy of spraying herbicides in a residential area, which
affects wildlife.
E McNally
Broadhurst Gardens, NW6
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