Published: 15 June, 2012

• THE weekend saw further devastation of precious green trackside land by Network Rail. Residents at Ashburton Triangle in Highbury, which is bordered on two sides by Network Rail land, have witnessed “systematic devastation”, with trees, bushes, indeed almost every living thing, being removed.

Network Rail is showing a fundamental disregard for these green spaces.

Last year, it gave what it said was a “clear undertaking” that in future works would not be undertaken without prior consultation. It is acting in breach of that promise. 

Worse, it has done so when birds are nesting and young birds fledging.

There is at the very least a risk that offences have been committed contrary to the Wildlife and Countryside Act, which protects nesting birds.

We have called on the council to refer Network Rail to the Metropolitan Police’s wildlife crimes unit.

Network Rail must be held to account for its disgraceful actions. And the council must act now to save the remaining green areas before it is too late.

EMMA DIXON
Islington Green Party