A man has become increasingly concerned that a railway company will remove trees near his home.

Andrew Middleton, of Three Valleys Way, in Bushey, has contacted Network Rail after they removed trees along the Watford to London railway track.

Some of the trees, which line the railway bank running along his home, were cut down last week.

Mr Middleton said: “At the end of last summer we received a leaflet through the door from Network Rail saying they were clearing foliage along the railway track. They said the works would be complete by early December.

“That came and went and I thought our trees were safe but it appears not.

“I called Network Rail and they told me that while there were no works planned in this area, they were quite entitled to cut down any trees on their land that were not protected.”

Watford Observer:

The current view from his home in Three Valleys Way, in Bushey

Mr Middleton said Hertsmere Borough Council confirmed the trees are not protected so they can just cut down them all.

He added: “My worry is that they will cut down all the trees and leave us with an eyesore.

“Rubbish is already thrown into the railway bank near Bushey station and currently the trees protect our view of it. But if they are gone then we will be able to see it constantly.

“With that sort of mess it is not going to enhance the environment. I do not think I have any real power to stop them cutting down the trees.

“But I do believe, given how my home faces the rail line, that we should at least be consulted, as per their website, on how the site is left in a way that minimises the impact on the residents.”

Simon Masters, of Network Rail, said: “We manage vegetation to help keep the railway safe and reliable for the millions of passengers who travel by train every day.

“Trees can pose several potential hazards including falling onto the line as well as depositing leaves onto the track - an imminent seasonal challenge which can have a significant effect on trains, causing delays and disruption to passengers.

“All of our vegetation management is carefully planned, taking wildlife and the environment into consideration.”