A group of residents is fighting to change TfL plans to cut down large sections of vegetation along a railway line.

On Tuesday members of OurPlaceChigwell met with councillors and TfL representatives at the Chigwell Police Met Hall to discuss works planned along the Tube line.

TFL workers are due to carry out maintenance work on a stretch of railway embankment on the Central Line between Chigwell and Grange Hill stations.

Foremost amongst the concerns of residents was construction due to take place near Lechmere Avenue and The Chase.

As well as highlighting concerns about the felling of trees, OurPlaceChigwell campaigners argued they were not properly informed about the works.

Chairperson Deborah Rye said: "I have known about this since May. The plans should have been dealt with back then.

“I first found out about it after a resident contacted me to say they had spotted someone taking pictures outside.

“I then spent the next few months trying to find out any information about it. The councils and TFL knew nothing about it.”

Work is set to commence on January 29, with labourers expected to be on site Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm, including a fixed four to six-week night period.

A letter was issued to Chigwell households last February and November noting that The Chase will be used as an access point for trucks removing waste.

Several residents responded in dismay at the decision, suggesting Hainault Road as an alternative access route, arguing The Chase is too narrow.

TfL representatives stuck to the original plan but promised better communication with residents going forward with the project.

Already several trees along Lechmere Avenue have been cut down in order to make way the planned works, leading residents to complain about infestation and increased noise from the trains.

Mrs Rye claimed the loss of trees has effected families “enormously”.

She added: "We have lost our wildlife, flora and fauna and there is nowhere on the other side of the bank for them to go.

“The trees were there to be a barrier against the noise and pollutions against the trains.”

Ray Halleet, TfL's project manager, said most of the trees would be replaced along with the soil, with the transport company taking responsibility for any damage caused during construction.

Mrs Rye, who urged anyone with legal and engineering experience to come along to the next month's meeting, said: "We have never ever been against the work being done.

"It was just the way it was communicated to us and the utter neglect on how many lives will be affected.”

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