Assurances Received over Folkestone West Station Trees
Cllr Rory Love, Shepway’s Environment Secretary, has received assurances over the protection of the avenue of horse chestnut trees on the approach road to Folkestone West Station. Cllr Love met last week with senior managers from Network Rail and South Eastern Railway to discuss issues relating to the high speed rail services due to commence from Folkestone to London at the end of next year.
Among the discussion topics were the future plans for Folkestone West. The station has already seen some refurbishment in preparation for the Orient Express, which is to start using the station instead of Folkestone Harbour. Cllr Love learnt that future phases of work will include a new car park on the south side of the railway line and new customer toilets. There are also proposals for a new footbridge and lift between the platforms, rebuilt waiting rooms, and at least two ticket windows. All the work will be carried out by local companies.
Cllr Love specifically sought assurances about the 15 trees leading to the station, which are covered by a Tree Preservation Order. He was told by Network Rail’s Senior Executive for Stations that the future of the trees was safe, and that they would be further protected from future damage from cars in the car park. In addition, new trees would be planted to provide landscaping.
Cllr Love said:
“Several residents in my ward have written to me about the surveying and the works which have been undertaken at the station. Some have been concerned that the development of the station for the high-speed trains could result in the loss of trees. Network Rail has given me assurances over the future of this important avenue of horse chestnut trees. I am also very pleased to learn of plans for new tree planting, and to hear the future plans for the station.”
31st March 2008
Cllr Rory Love started the “Rail for Folkestone” campaign in 2001, which secured the high-speed rail service for the Town. The service is due to commence in December 2009 from both Folkestone stations. Shepway District Council is pressing South Eastern Railway to keep the journey time to London to under an hour.