Rail line tree cut info days

Tree cutting work on the railway line between Glasgow and East Kilbride will resume in March.

The works had previously been suspended in response to concerns raised by some lineside communities around the scope of the work.

Network Rail has since revisited its approach to look at ways in which it can safely retain some trees beyond six metres from the railway.

Their ultimate aim is to deliver and maintain a safe and efficient railway. Removal of large trees from the lineside is important for rail safety.

Clearing the trees and vegetation along the 11-mile railway corridor will begin in March and is expected to run until late July.

It will enable site and geological investigation (SI/GI) which will inform the development of proposals to enhance the railway.

As well as vegetation clearance, this work will include a general tidy up and will address any issues with fencing uncovered as the vegetation is cleared.

It will be delivered day and night, including at weekends.

Local people are being offered the chance to find out more about the works and air their views at community drop-in sessions.

They will be held at Kirktonholme Hall on Kirktonholme Road, East Kilbride on Monday, February 24 from 4-7pm; Giffnock Library, Station Road, Giffnock on Monday, March 2 from 4-7pm and Pollok Ex-serviceman’s club, Titwood Road, Glasgow on Thursday, March 5 from 4-7pm.

Network Rail has completed all necessary environmental and ecological surveys to identify any protected species or nesting birds in the area.

Where any species have been identified, appropriate methods of working are put in place to safeguard species, roosts and habitats of value.

Equipment which will be used to clear the vegetation will include chainsaws, and chipping machines as well as‘on track’plant and machinery.

Katie Vollbracht from Network Rail said:“We fully understand the concerns raised by lineside communities and felt it was important to revisit our approach to seek ways in which we could minimise the removal of trees.

“Our aim during this work will be to proactively identify any safeguarded species, roosts and habitats of value and look at ways we can safely retain trees out-with the six-metre corridor.

“While we will do what we can to minimise any disturbance and apologise for any inconvenience.”