Compromise hope in tree-lop row

Parked cars stopped the team lopping the trees to 6ft

Two sides rowing over lopping trees which block noise from a main rail line are trying to reach a compromise.

Tree-cutters stopped work in Great Shelford, Cambs, on Wednesday when angry residents parked in their way.

South Cambridgeshire District Council said the 30ft tall conifers had to be lopped to 6ft because safety concerns.

On Thursday a halt was called to the lopping to allow the two sides to meet Health and Safety Executive staff to find a compromise on the height.

The stand-off came after police had been asked to escort contractors to the site on Thursday morning so the trees could be trimmed.

'Very loud'

Protest organiser Mandy Taylor said people living in Chaston Road relied on the barrier of trees to cut noise from the line.

"It does reduce the noise from the trains. It is the main Cambridge to Liverpool Street railway, so obviously it is very busy," she said.

"We get the express trains early in the morning and at commuter times in the evening. The noise is very loud.

"Last night just with the section cut down that they have, the difference is very noticeable."

On Thursday a council spokeswoman said it had offered the protesters a compromise height of 8ft - the height homeowners would be allowed for a fence.

The protestors want the trees kept to a minimum height of 12ft.