Until the end of the year, Network Rail will be carrying out overnight tree and vegetation management along the railway line between Cupar and Leuchars.

The work is being done to keep trains punctual and passengers safe as well as reducing the risk for line-side neighbours.

The work will be carried out during the day and at night to clear woody vegetation from the 21st of August for 16 weeks. The work will take place within a 6-metre strip from the track to the fence that marks the boundary. During this time, any noxious and invasive non-native weeds will be treated.

Trees will be selectively felled or cut back to leave a well-balanced tree canopy to prevent any from falling onto the line.

Heritage, landscape specimen trees will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will be retained where it is deemed safe.

Environmental surveys have been carried out and inspected for nesting birds ahead of the work. Network Rail has been working with ecologists to minimise the impact on the environment that the work will cause.

Those living close to the line have been told about the work via a letter which includes information and an FAQs section.

If anyone has any questions or concerns about this work, they can contact Network Rail’s 24hr National helpline on 03457 11 41 41.

Kirsty Armstrong, Scheme Project Manager for the vegetation clearance work said: “Network Rail manages thousands of miles of trees and vegetation along the railway to try to make sure that everything which grows within the lineside is safe and does not cause delays to trains.

“Through the management of lineside trees and vegetation, Network Rail aims to ensure the safety of the railway line – to keep passengers safe and reduce risk for our neighbours.

“Elements of this work are unavoidable at night for safety reasons, however, the teams are always mindful of the impact their work may have and do what they can to minimise this. We want to apologise in advance if anyone is disturbed by the work.”

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