Network Rail has announced that it is to carry out “vital vegetation management” work between May 2023 and March 2024 along the railway between Ardsley tunnel and Leeds on the Wakefield line and is holding two information events to explain the scope of the work.
They say the number, size and volume of trees growing next the tracks is posing a safety risk, with the potential for trees to fall onto the tracks endangering passengers and staff, damaging infrastructure and causing disruption to services.
The affected track runs around the back of the Middleton estate behind Sissons Road and Bodmin Road before crossing Dewsbury Road and running behind the Cardinal estate in Beeston.
Work will generally take place during the day, although some night time work may be necessary. Affected residents will be written to with details of the work schedule.
Ecologists will be working alongside Network Rail carrying out pre-work checks. Where signs of a protected species of birds or animals are identified, an exclusion zone will be set up and guidance will be followed from the onsite ecologist.
Where suitable, logs and branches will be left on site to create a safe habitat for wildlife. In safe locations, standing dead timber will be retained to provide valuable habitats.
Jackson Okeri, Network Rail’s Public Affairs Manager, commented:
“I know that working close to resident’s homes overnight may cause disruption. Our team will try to minimise the amount of noise they cause as much as possible, but I want to take this opportunity to apologise in advance if anyone is disturbed by the work.
“We take our responsibility to manage the railway safely and look after the habitats on our land very seriously. Work will be carried out considering the safety risks to passenger trains and our staff, the natural environment, bird nesting season and the local community.“
Two information events are being held where you can find out the details about the work, scope, and ask questions directly to the team delivering the work.
A drop-in event will be held on Monday (15 May 2023) at Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library (LS11 6PF) between 5:30-6:45pm.
Their will also be a virtual event on Wednesday 17 May between 5:30-6:15pm, hosted on Microsoft Teams. To join the Teams Live Event:
Please use this link bit.ly/3maA74C
Create a Microsoft Teams account on the website bit.ly/3oC2Jj0
Download either the desktop application or the Mobile/Tablet application for Microsoft Teams
Photo: the rail line below Millshaw in Beeston (Google Streetview)
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