NETWORK Rail has been criticised by Newport residents for cutting down an apple tree as part of the electrification of the railway lines.

Workers from Network Rail began to cut down the tree on Somerton Road yesterday morning , before local residents demanded to see proof that the company had permission to cut down the 30-year-old tree.

Residents of Somerton Road blocked their cars in front of the tree and stood in front of it in a bid to prevent the felling.

They said that as well as acting as a sound and wind block to nearby houses, it was also used by wildlife and it’s felling would affect property prices.

Work was delayed, with police called to the scene as a precaution, before the tree was cut down late yesterday afternoon.

Alisson Medhurst, who has lived opposite the tree since 2007, said: “It was a very old apple tree and I think it should have stayed.

“It’s a lovely feature when it’s in blossom.

“I don’t think it should have gone because of the birds and other wildlife in the area.”

She added: “It’s going to devalue the properties in the area as you are losing the view now that it’s gone.”

A spokesman from Network Rail said that they did not take the decision to fell the tree lightly, but that it was ‘absolutely necessary’ for work to commence.

He added: “In advance of the main bulk of works commencing, Network Rail is currently on-site undertaking work to remove trees and overgrown vegetation at the bridge. Trees along the existing bridge embankments have been removed in readiness for the demolition of the old structure and reconstruction of the new. We have also removed overgrown vegetation near to the lineside in order to establish a safe and accessible site compound for the team working on this major project.”

He added that before works started habitat and environmental inspections to determine whether protected species were present.

“Although the works do not require the submission of a planning application we are working closely with Newport City Council and do not take the decision to remove trees lightly. However, in this instance, it was absolutely necessary as a large number of the trees formed part of the old structure, which is soon to be removed and rebuilt.”

Network Rail advises anyone who would like to find out more about the bridge reconstruction project to attend a drop in event on 14 September 3pm – 7pm, at Liswerry Baptist Church. Visitors can drop by any time between these hours – no appointment is necessary