NETWORK Rail is making preparations to lay the new freight line through North Oxford.

Vegetation has been cleared along Port Meadow and Wolvercote Common over the past few months to make way for the track.

Spokesman Sam Kelly said: “Bringing this line back into use means we can run freight and passenger services on separate lines, helping to reduce disruption and making the railway more reliable.

“Each freight train takes about 60 lorries off the roads – a massive benefit for the local area considering that the A34 is one of the most congested in the country.”

Last year an officer for Oxford City Council ordered Network Rail to stop removing trees at the site because of complaints it could affect nesting birds.

But work is now back under way and is due to be completed in around two years’ time. The vegetation Network Rail clears will not be replaced.

The Freemen of Oxford, who were given Port Meadow in the 10th century by King Alfred, considered planting trees to screen off the track but decided against it.

Trains are not expected to use the freight line until May 2015.