PLANS to remove trees next to a railway line to keep the track safe have been welcomed.

A number of trees are set to be removed to the back of Caroline Street Allotments in Saltaire.

Residents of the village have received letters from Network Rail informing them of the forthcoming work.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Caroline Street Allotments in Saltaire with trees to its left which are set to be removed by Network Rail Caroline Street Allotments in Saltaire with trees to its left which are set to be removed by Network Rail (Image: Newsquest)

The tree removal has been billed as essential works and described as vegetation management work.

The removal work will be carried out over three successive nights. It will start on Monday, March 13 from 11.30pm to Tuesday, March 14 at 5am. The work will resume from 11.30pm on March 14 until 5am on Wednesday, March 15. The work is scheduled to be completed on March 15 at 11.30pm and be completed by 5am on Thursday, March 16.

The Network Rail letter states: “As part of our commitment to maintain a safe and reliable railway, we have carried out surveys on trees that sit next to the railway track in your area.

“These surveys have identified trees that needs to be removed to keep the railway safe.

“These trees are located to the rear of Caroline Street Allotments in Saltaire.

“We do recognise how important local green spaces are and we’ll keep the work we do to the minimum required.”

Chris Cooper, who has a plot at Caroline Street Allotments and is Shipley Town Council’s Allotments representative, backed the tree removal work.

He said: “I’m delighted that it’s happening. It’s needed to be done for a long time.

“There is a potential danger that the trees could go into the tracks.

“It’s being done in the name of safety.”

The Network Rail letter to residents also acknowledged any potential disruption overnight, but says this time of day was chosen to carry out the work due to the low numbers of trains operating at those times of day.

The letter added: “I understand that working near your property is far from ideal and I am sorry in advance for any disruption this work may cause.

“However, the work is essential, and the team need to undertake the work at night as it is the safest time for the team to access the railway, due to the low numbers of trains that run at this time.

“The nature of the work often means some disturbance is unavoidable, with the teams using chain saws, lighting and hand tools.

“The team are aware that they are working close to your home, and they will try to minimise unnecessary disruption as much as possible.”