I was interested to read (04.04.20) the criticism of Network Rail’s tree cutting activities around Dorchester South Station.

In my opinion one of the worst mistakes our railways ever made was in the 1970’s when it was decided in order to save money to stop cutting and trimming railway banks.

Just look at old photographs of railways there is not a tree or bush in sight on railway banks just trimmed grass, The permanent way gangs were generally recruited locally, had there own platelayers huts (you can still find the remains of them) with cooking facilities (a small stove) and the railway held competitions and gave the coveted ‘prize length’ award to the best kept section.All this changed. With the railway banks not cut since the 1970’s grass grew, shrubs turned into trees and trees began to cause problems when they fell on the line. Brunel would turn in his grave if he saw it all.

So I am pleased that at long last Network Rail are doing something about it. Even now it is too late because it is difficult to fell mature trees so they have cut branches off and left the large tree trunks standing which makes it look a bit like a WW1 battlefield. The policy over the last 40 years or so has been a bit of a disaster and is now coming home to rest. But if you don’t want trains delayed by fallen trees especially in the winter storms that happen these days then it must be done, so I say - get on with it Network Rail.

I spoke to some railway men cutting a bank not long ago. Their van was in a nearby gateway and they had come all the way from Eastleigh. Bring back local gangs I say and restore the ‘prize length’ competition!!

Terry Putnam

Springfield Road

Weymouth