Outrage at ‘near destruction’ of woodland for bridge at Lidlington - but East West Rail says it will be replanted

Saverio Bongo, Independent Councillor for Cranfield & Marston Moretaine on Central Beds Council, is angry at the loss of the wood, which was planted in 2006.

He explained the wood was cut down during construction of the Marston Road Overbridge to replace the current level crossing.

But East West Rail says the area will be replanted once construction is complete – and land temporarily taken to enable access to the site will be reinstated.

Cllr Bongo claimed: “There has been a near-destruction of a major part of Granary Wood, which was planted in 2006 on the northeast side of the village near Lidlington level crossing.

"It's outrageous that this destruction has been allowed to happen.”

The work is legally authorised under a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO).

“While the application and public inquiries took place over several years (including 2018), this TWAO officially came into force on February 25, 2020,” he added.

“It grants Network Rail and the East West Rail Alliance statutory authority to bypass standard local planning permission to deliver major railway modifications and bridges.

Meanwhile, he has submitted a petition of 200 signatures opposing the proposed closure of Millbrook level crossing, and raised the proposed building of a multi-storey car park at Lidlington.

He added: “I submitted a petition to EWR regarding opposition to the closure proposal, and EWR has also received hundreds of comments from concerned residents and commuters wishing to travel to Flitwick and Ampthill. There is also the major access issue to the Proving Ground, which is a vital local business.

“As a result of this lobbying, EWR is now looking carefully at various options, including whether it is possible to retain the Millbrook level crossing. To do so would require the permission of National Grid as their power cables run overhead and pylons located nearby.

“I remain hopeful for a positive outcome, and I have made it clear to EWR that we are determined to retain this important crossing in one form or another.”

Natalie Wheble, external affairs director, East West Railway Company, said: "As part of works being accelerated to prepare for the proposed new East West Rail connection, linking the Marston Vale Line to Oxford and Cambridge, a new overbridge is being built in Marston Road.

"This bridge will ensure long-term connectivity for the community of Lidlington with the existing crossing due for closure. This closure is ahead of a significant increase in rail services that will transform connectivity in the area.

"Main bridge construction works are due to commence in Spring 2027, through to Winter 2028. Planting and seeding will take place towards the end of the works as part of Highways Landscaping, to suit seasonal constraints.

"We know this work will be disruptive to the local community and we are working hard to ensure we communicate the impacts clearly to those affected and minimise the inconvenience as much as possible.

“We would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their views with us during our recent consultation on our final plans for the full East West Rail project. We are carefully considering the feedback received on proposals for the Millbrook level crossing and the car park at Lidlington station, and we will provide a further update to the community shortly.”