Sadness as Wolvercote trees go to improve rail links (From Oxford Mail)

Sadness as Wolvercote trees go to improve rail links

10:10am Thursday 7th February 2013 in News

VILLAGERS who look after protected common land say it is a “great shame” that trees alongside have been felled so a railway line can be reopened.

The tree clearance work along the railway line by Wolvercote Common will allow Network Rail to reinstate the disused freight line that runs north from Oxford station, parallel to Port Meadow and the common.

The work to clear vegetation was stopped by Oxford City Council last year following complaints that it could affect nesting birds.

Wolvercote Commoners chairman Michael Buck said: “It is a great shame.

“I understand it is necessary because they do need the extra line.”

The group is planning to plant trees to shield the view of the railway line, but discussions are still under way.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “This scheme is a key part of our plans to improve freight capacity on the railway – the greenest and most efficient method of transporting goods. Bringing this disused line back means we can run freight and passenger services on separate lines, helping to reduce disruption and making the railway more reliable.”