WOULD-be MP Stephen Metcalfe has stepped into the bid to save trees alongside a railway line in Thurrock from being axed.

Network Rail plans to cut down trees at the back of homes in Homesteads in Corringham because it says they are endangering the rail line.

Residents, local councilors and the area's Labour MP Angela Smith have raised concern over the axing, but Network rail say they will press ahead regardless.

Now Mr Metcalfe has joined the fray, calling on government minster Ruth Kelly to intervene.

In a letter to her he says: "I write as a matter of urgency on behalf of local residents protesting against Network Rail's plans to fell trees alongside the railway line adjoining the Homesteads Ward.

"Many residents' homes back on to the line and they are concerned that the proposal will have a dramatic impact on their homes. The current level of vegetation screens their properties from the visual impact of the line and provides a barrier from light, noise and air pollution.

"I have already asked Network Rail to reconsider its plans to remove the trees and find an alternative way to preserve them that also satisfies any lineside safety considerations.

"I have, however, been unsuccessful in this endeavour and now bring the matter before you to see if there is any way you can intervene on behalf of residents to find a compromise that will satisfy all parties.

"While residents and I understand that the reason for the work is to prevent lineside vegetation from encroaching on the track and blocking drivers' vision and overhead wires, we feel there must be a way of doing that without having to take such drastic action.

"I would therefore ask that you bring pressure to bear on Network Rail so that:

1. The planned works are delayed to ensure ALL alternatives have been thoroughly looked at.

2. They examine whether less severe works could achieve the same safety result while allaying residents' fears, perhaps by clearing the first 2.5 - 3m of lineside and then reassessing the results.

3. Network Rail address residents' concerns about light, noise and air pollution that they are currently protected from by the trees.

"Network Rail have told me that they accept they have neglected their duty over a number of years to keep the track side clear, resulting in the fact that the now proposed works are more drastic than would normally have been expected.

"Residents and I are concerned that this proposal will seriously affect their quality of life and are therefore asking that you do all in your power to assist us."