NETWORK RAIL TREE CLEARANCE

Early day motion 1082, tabled 14 April 2003 by Lord McCabe (Labour). Signed by 36 members.

That this House deplores Network Rail's lack of public consultation regarding tree clearance work; notes the poor standard of work carried out, which leaves brush wood which is a fire hazard and logs which are a safety hazard, the felling of trees during the nesting season, clearance work undertaken within 20 yards of badger setts and general failure to consider the needs of wildlife; further notes the unnecessary exposure of residents' gardens resulting in increased burglaries; calls on Network Rail to fulfil its corporate social responsibility by consulting with English Nature and local wildlife trusts regarding further clearance and with home owners affected by the work; and further calls on the Government to consider making such consultation a statutory requirement.

Signatures by party: Labour 24, Liberal Democrat 9, Labour/Co-operative 3.