Vince Cable

Local environmentalists, councillors and MP Vincent Cable are up in arms over the destruction of a large area of trees and associated scrub in the Twickenham 'Rough' on Network Rail land outside Twickenham Station. The area is a protected Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation but Network Rail contractors (Fountains) have destroyed the vegetation going far beyond the needs of regular pruning.

Vincent Cable MP said: "There have been cases before - in Hampton Hill and Hampton - of Network Rail contractors destroying the rail side environment as a result of crass attempts at pruning gong far beyond the needs of rail safety. I was assured then that Network Rail had put in place protocols to prevent unnecessary damage. Either they weren't serious or someone has disregarded instructions. The denuded site looks ugly and the local habitat will take years to recover. I have written a strong letter to the Chief Executive of Network Rail seeking an explanation and assurances that there are systems in place to prevent further damage."