Stumped

Many residents have been shocked by the sudden disappearance of the tree cover between Jericho and the station. The JCA has therefore written to Network Rail as follows: "At the recent meeting of the Jericho Community Association outrage was expressed at the work currently being carried out by contractors for Network Rail on the land adjoining the Oxford Canal to the north of Oxford Station. "It is understood that some work was required to enable new sidings to be created but the work undertaken exceeds that which was necessary. The entire woodland has been felled even including those trees on the banks of the streams which adjoin the canal on its western side. The scores of trees felled represent a mature growth of 40 years plus and their loss was completely unnecessary. "A mature landscape view of trees which masked development and presented a pleasant outlook has been replaced by an unsightly view of an industrial landscape of sidings and the controversial student housing beyond. The pastoral replaced by the industrial. All this has been done without any consultation with the residents whose visual environment has been destroyed. "These radical works have also effected the cultural life of Jericho. A considerable investment has been made in the facilities of St. Barnabas Church to enable it to host more concerts but the two performances held at the weekend were interrupted by the increased noise level experienced with the loss of the tree cover between the church and the operational lines. "It was understood that all tree felling by contractors of Network Rail is suspended in April to avoid disturbance to nesting birds, except where no birds are nesting. It was understood that all tree felling by contractors of Network Rail is suspended in April to avoid disturbance to nesting birds, except where no birds are nesting. Can you provide a copy of the ornithologist's report which provided the evidence that no nesting birds were identified in the trees felled. "It is only just that the residents of Jericho, who have suffered severe environmental loss, should receive some degree of mitigating works to help offset the loss. It is understood that some tree planting is envisaged by Network Rail but is modest by comparison with what has been lost. The minimum which would be acceptable would be mounding thickly planted with planting of both trees and bush varieties. Could you please provide me with details of your proposed planting for community comment and a timetable for its implementation."