A GROUP of much-loved trees along a railway embankment in Coalpit Heath are facing the chop in the name of safety.

Network Rail wants to fell the protected trees in Station Road so, the company says, it can make the tracks safer.

Its plans are part of a much wider scheme, launched last year, to fell trees along the railway between Coalpit Heath and the viaduct at Winterbourne.

They have been delayed following massive opposition from local people who do not want to lose vital parts of their countryside.

Residents argue they have not been consulted at all over the plans and more than 150 turned out to a meeting of Westerleigh Parish Council to make their feelings known.

Network Rail was pressed by councillors, Northavon MP Steve Webb and residents for a meeting where everyone could air their views.

The company has now agreed with South Gloucestershire Council that, although it is exempt from needing planning permission to chop down the trees, it will ensure it gets councillors' backing.

Planning officer Mark Davies said: "The applicants have decided to submit a "without prejudice" application for formal consent to fell the trees along the route of the haul roads in order to avoid any possibility of misunderstanding or delay in the future."

He added: "The railway embankment through Coalpit Heath is unstable and needs regrading to ensure the long-term stability and safety of the railway.

"This will involve moving the toe of the existing embankment away from the railway and importing fill material to stabilise the railway.

"The desired solution requires trees and vegetation to be cleared on the slope to allow the regrade and to form the temporary haul road for construction machinery in connection with regrading the adjacent embankment."

The council's planning committee is due to visit the site today, as requested by ward councillor Alan Bracey, because of the effect the loss of the trees could have on the natural environment.

He told the Gazette: "This is just one small part of what Network Rail wants to do.

"I called this is in for a sites visit because this is a serious job and that is the reason the trees are subject to tree preservation orders by the council."

Cllr Bracey will be voting on the issue at the next meeting of the development control (east) committee in February and said he could not, therefore, express an opinion.

Network Rail spokesman Jo Smythe said: " As always, safety is our priority."