Andrew Rosindell M.P., Member of Parliament for Romford, and Julia Lopez M.P., Member of Parliament for Hornchurch and Upminster, have expressed their deep frustration and disappointment over Network Rail's recent tree clearance along the Liberty Line, commonly known as the "push and pull" line, which serves their communities.
In January 2021, following strong campaign efforts from local residents and activists, Network Rail had agreed not to cut down healthy trees unless absolutely necessary for safety reasons or to control the spread of disease. They assured that any vital works would only be completed after engaging and consulting with local residents. However, this commitment has not been honoured, causing significant anger amongst local residents.
Network Rail has admitted that contractors acting on their behalf failed to properly notify residents about the work. Despite Network Rail's promises, Havering’s MPs remain concerned about the recurrence of this situation and the scale of the works. Residents believe that the works have gone further than necessary, resulting in the destruction of healthy trees and habitat.
"This is not good enough," stated Mr Rosindell and Mrs Lopez, "as the elected Members of Parliament for both Romford and Hornchurch and Upminster, we are completely on the side of the local community in opposing the removal of trees, unless is it absolutely necessary."
Both MPs are seeking an urgent meeting with Network Rail to discuss the situation and secure a commitment that such actions will not happen again in the future.
Joint Statement from Andrew Rosindell M.P. and Julia Lopez M.P.
As the Members of Parliament for communities served by the Liberty Line, commonly known as the “push and pull” line, we continue to reflect both our own and our resident’s bitter frustration and disappointment at the lack of notice and scale of Network Rail’s tree clearance from along the line from Romford to Upminster.
Three years ago, in January 2021, after strong campaign efforts from local residents and activists, supported by us, Network Rail agreed not to cut down healthy trees unless absolutely necessary for safety reasons or to control the spread of disease. They assured us that vital works would only be completed following engagement and consultation with local residents. This has not happened. Network Rail have not been true to their word, which has caused much anger amongst local residents.
They have now admitted that contractors acting on their behalf had failed to properly notify residents about the work. However, we remain concerned that this situation was able to happen again, despite Network Rail’s promises, as well as being concerned at the scale of the works. Residents continue to believe that the works have gone further than necessary causing the destruction of healthy trees and habitat.
This is not good enough and as the elected Members of Parliament for both Romford and Hornchurch and Upminster, we are completely on the side of the local community in opposing the removal of trees, unless is it absolutely necessary.
We are seeking an urgent meeting with Network Rail to discuss this situation and to seek a commitment from them that this will never happen again in the future.
