LOCALS have criticised the loss of mature trees that have been felled to make way for new railway infrastructure.

Network Rail is undertaking the Barrhead to Glasgow electrification project and the scheme has reached the Strathbungo and Pollokshields areas.

As part of the works, the derelict but locally popular Susie's Store was demolished and a pedestrian bridge taken down.

But now residents have spotted the mass felling of trees along Darnley Road - and are calling for reassurances they will be reinstated.

READ MORE: In pictures as Susie's Store is demolished 

Local resident Mike Ritchie said: "My home doesn’t overlook the line where the trees have been cut down but I do live nearby and walk along this street regularly.

"It seems a sad, dramatic action and it is one that definitely spoils the look of the area. We have lots of trees in this part of Glasgow’s southside and they are a joy to look at.

"When so many are felled in this way, I feel hugely saddened as it scars the area and I really wonder if such a brutal operation is necessary."

The works are part of a bid to decarbonise passenger services on Scotland's railway by 2035.

They will also see the bridge being raised to make way for overhead power lines running beneath.

Network Rail said the trees were being removed as part of "vegetation management" to build a road to rail access point on Darnley Road.

Glasgow Times:

Previous communications from the rail company regarding greenery at the site said an area will also be excavated to create a works compound.

They reassured the community that precautions are in place to contain knotweed, which is contaminating part of the area, and ensure it does not spread.

Knotweed causes problems due to its ability to break through concrete and brick while also being almost entirely impossible to eradicate.

Network Rail said a knotweed membrane will be installed for the full extent of the compound area, and a quarantine zone put in place around the stockpiled soil materials.

As the works will still be ongoing in summer next year, which is next knotweed growing season, an increased inspection regime will be implemented.

A knotweed treatment plan will start in the 2023 growing season and will continue for the next two to three years.

Lucy Masters, who also lives near the site, added: "I was really distressed to see the trees coming down.

READ MORE: Petition launched to save popular local building Susie's Store

"In a climate emergency loss of greenery is just unacceptable without absolute reassurances it will be replaced.

"Electrifying the line is obviously making things cleaner and greener but we need that and the trees - both are important."

A Network Rail spokesman said: “We’re undertaking vegetation management work to create a road rail access point at Darnley Road.

“This work is essential to allowing railway vehicles access to the track to complete planned piling and stanchion installation work between Crossmyloof and Muirhouse Junction.

“We fully appreciate the patience and support of the community during this time.”