LONG-SUFFERING residents in Farnworth are “over the moon” after rail bosses agreed to replace trees around the track.

The news follows a meeting on Monday morning between Maria Johnson, of Ivanhoe Street, Farnworth Cllr Jean Gillies and Network Rail representatives.

It comes after residents across the Moses Gate area complained when nearly all trees close to the railway line were ripped out in February.

However, the rail company has now committed to planting three new species of trees throughout Ivanhoe Street and Woodedge Close.

Ms Johnson said: “I felt it was a really productive meeting, I was really pleased with the outcome. When the trees are in full bloom they will look lovely.

“I am also really pleased that they are finally going to put things right because it was outrageous what they did.”

She had previously described herself as “absolutely devastated” when the initial trees were ripped out, leaving the street with no barrier between homes and trains.

The latest meeting was organised by Cllr Gillies and Bolton South East MP Yasmin Qureshi.

The councillor said: “I am over the moon with it, it’s the result that we wanted. They have also put it in writing, so I would be very disappointed if these promises weren’t kept.”

Network Rail representatives promised to plant Rowan Elder, Wild Pear and Field Maple trees that would reach to at least 12 feet high, giving the houses some cover from the railway.

Planting will begin in October, giving the trees time to grow to an effective height by around spring of 2019.

A spokesman said: “After ongoing discussions with residents, Network Rail has agreed to replant low maintenance and non-leaf fall trees along the railway near Ivanhoe Street in Farnworth. Further to recommendations from our tree experts, planting is due to take place in autumn 2018.”