RAIL bosses have agreed to consider planting a line of conifers to replace trees that were chopped down along a rail line.

The concession comes after chiefs held crunch talks with residents of Ivanhoe Street, in Moses Gate, after more than two years of complaints about electrification work on the line.

Residents' anger came to a head when the trees were ‘ripped out’ at the end of last month. They have repeatedly complained about late-night noise, parking problems and a lack of consideration from Network Rail workers.

Marie Johnson was among neighbours who met with rail bosses to demand answers and find a way forward.

She said: “They have gone back deliberating, we have said we want them to replant some trees — preferably conifers or hedging to completely screen the line off. It has been constructive up to now, but we have to wait and see what they come back with.”

However she was unhappy with some of the responses from Network Rail.

“They had an excuse for everything really, but hopefully they will come back with some good news, we don’t want to start celebrating just yet.”

Residents were supported by Farnworth ward councillor, Jean Gillies, and Bolton South East MP, Yasmin Qureshi .

Ms Qureshi said it was ‘quite obvious something had gone horribly wrong’ but was hopeful of a solution. She added: They did seem to be listening. Whether they are going to take any action I don’t know, but I hope they will. We won’t be letting it go.”

Cllr Gillies said she believed Network Rail representatives were listening but were not able to explain why the trees had been cut down. She has requested to see the reports proving the trees were either diseased or posed a safety hazard.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “During bad weather, tall and overhanging trees can pose a risk to trains which could cause delays and cancellations to important services.We’ve agreed to look at select replanting of low maintenance, non-leaf fall trees to replace those which have been removed.