Railtrack has ordered a halt to tree felling alongside a line in north Oxford after protests from residents.

Protesters Tina Malta, John Harris and Rob Baron, with son Richard

It was the second time in two months that contractors working for the company had removed vegetation in the railway cutting in Wolvercote.

In September, the Wolvercote Tree Group complained when trees were cut down next to the Oxford to Bicester line. Railtrack said the work was necessary on safety grounds.

The tree group claimed the habitats of badgers, bats and other wildlife were being harmed.

Residents in Woodstock Road and Carey Close have now complained after contractors cut down more trees and vegetation.

Tina Malta, of Woodstock Road, said: "A screen of trees at the end of gardens here, and in Carey Close, has been completely flattened. When we contacted Railtrack, the work stopped, and they have promised not to start it again until meetings have been held to discuss this.

"We protested because the wildlife habitats are being damaged, the trees provided a natural buffer against the noise, and they also provided better security."

Callum Collins, a spokesman for Railtrack's Great Western zone, which includes Oxford, said the work had been stopped for the time being.

He said: "We have a duty to maintain a safe and reliable railway. If a tree fell on to the track from the cutting, it could derail a train.

"Wolvercote was assessed as a high-risk area because the cutting is steep there."