Anger as rail line trees get chop

Leaves on the tracks prove both expensive and hazardous

Residents who live along the London-Hertford rail line are upset with Network Rail's policy of chopping trees to prevent leaves on the tracks.

Enfield Councillor Ertan Hurer said the railway operator had not consulted with the communities affected by the policy to cut trees.

"We're not happy with this, they have not engaged with us," Mr Hurer said.

Network Rail responded that the brush is cleared in order to keep the tracks safe and to prevent delays.

Since 2003, Network Rail, which owns and operates the rail infrastructure, has had a standard policy of clearing vegetation 15ft (3m) away from the tracks.

First Capital Connect runs the train service between Hertford and London's Moorgate.

Leaves on the lines cost million of pounds to remove every year and can cause trains to slip.

But some local residents have complained that removing the trees also removes a noise buffer between their communities and the tracks.

Enfield Councillor Elaine Hayward told BBC London the rail company had not even responded to their requests for a meeting to address the issue.