Network Rail has been branded “shambolic” over its plans to cut down hundreds of trees along the railway line in Perth behind a residential area.
Residents of Glover Street have called on the rail company to save the trees which provide a buffer between the railway tracks and their homes and questioned the environmental impact of destroying the green space.
Network Rail wants to remove the trees to make room for a storage facility as its current yard will be used for a new ScotRail development.
At a meeting between residents, Network Rail and representatives from Perth and Kinross Council on Friday the rail company agreed to postpone any felling of trees until further studies can be carried out.
Alison Napier, a resident of Glover Street, said: “The trees form a visual barrier and a sound barrier from the station and the railway and they absorb the fumes.
“I don’t think Network Rail are being as environmentally friendly as they could be.
“They’ve just sent out a letter saying they’re doing it anyway. It’s just convenience.
“They’ve done no study on other sites or environmental impact. They’ve just had a walk around and decided to cut down the trees.”
Neighbour Lucy Burghard said: “Having that little bit of greenery is a real buffer.
“It would be a real shame to miss that green corridor on the back of a busy road.
“I’ve got kids so obviously for them it’s important that we keep as much wildlife as we can.
“There’s lots of neighbours who feel the same way.”
Councillor Willie Wilson blasted Network Rail’s approach to the project and the company’s lack of written reports or studies.
Mr Wilson said: “Network Rail seem to have a shambolic approach to dealing with projects such as their proposal to remove trees at Perth Station.
“The notification given to local residents was extremely short and totally inadequate.
“They have had no formal consultation with the council and there are large gaps in their project management.”
The councillor also said that the site was adjacent to a conservation area and that the company had not yet carried out an environmental study, appraisal of different sites or written reports.
Lindsay Saddler, head of maintenance at Network Rail Scotland, said: “Although this yard has not been fully utilised for some time, it has always remained operational railway land.
“The yard that we have been using for storage in the vicinity is being developed for ScotRail’s service requirements and this is why we need to move our storage facility to Glover Street.
“We will assess the fencing after the tree removal and will take any necessary action.
“It should be noted that we have had several complaints in the past regarding these trees overgrowing into third party gardens or pushing their fence line over, so by removing them this will be mitigated.
“A full ecological survey is being carried out early next week and we will reassess our work specification once the results are complete.”
