‘I Am Furious With Network Rail Who Once Again Destroy Trees In Our Community Without Consultation’-Andrew Rosindell MP.

‘Network Rail have yet again failed to consult or notify residents of the destruction of trees in Gidea Park, giving the inevitable impression that they have rescinded their promise that there would be no more woodland destruction in Havering this season’-Ruth Kettle-Frisby, Green Party.

On Saturday residents awoke to the sound of heavy machinery and tree cutting along the back of the push and pull line. Trees and bushes were being removed and foxes were seen running as their habitats were destroyed once again.

The works took place between Gidea Park and Hornchurch across the day, as more of our wildlife lost its home.

Yet again, the community were not informed of works taking place. Andrew Rosindell, the Member of Parliament for Romford, who has supported residents for years in this campaign, was not informed either. Despite informing Network Rail that as the Elected Member of Parliament for Romford, he should be informed, Network Rail have not once let him or members of the Green Party, know that works would be taking place.

The community are angry at the arrogance shown, and the destruction of our trees and our wildlife losing their home. There has been no communication by Network Rail and instead a whole list of broken promises.

Mr Rosindell told the Havering Daily:

“As Romford’s MP, I am furious with Network Rail – once again they are acting to destroy trees within our community without consultation. They have broken their word yet again in failing to inform MPs and local residents of their intentions in advance. It’s outrageous that Network rail are continually show contempt for local people. in Romford and Hornchurch. They don’t live here, we do and we care about our trees and local environment. Once again, I call on Network Rail to STOP cutting down trees along the “push and pull” railway line until we are all convinced that the actions being taken are wholly necessary. No healthy tree should ever be removed!”

Ruth Kettle-Frisby from the Green Party, has been involved in the campaign from the start and has worked hand in hand with the community and Mr Rosindell, told the Havering Daily:

“The local Green Party continue to support the campaign to stop Network Rail’s seemingly relentless destruction of trees along our little ‘push and pull’ – recently named ‘Liberty Line’ – that runs from Romford to Upminster and back via Emerson Park Station.

We have been made aware that Network Rail have yet again failed to consult or notify residents of the destruction of trees in Gidea Park, giving the inevitable impression that they have rescinded their promise that there would be no more woodland destruction in Havering this season.

We will continue to challenge workers contracted by Network Rail, and to scrutinise the situation at the source in the public interest.

Where they feel comfortable doing so, we strongly encourage residents to ask workers what they are doing, to take photos, to record it.

The local campaign are asking residents to take close videos that record whether they are disturbing wildlife because we know there are protected species including bats, slow worms and hibernating creatures that by law mustn’t be disturbed.

During the climate crisis, in a London Borough like Havering where the levels of air pollution far exceed World Health Organisation levels, our beautiful woodlands are more precious than ever, and again it falls on residents to fight for their preservation.

The local Green Party fully support cross-party collaboration to protect our local ecosystems.”

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