Firm denies plan to fell canal's ancient oak trees

Members of Friends of Slough Canal are concerned about the potential negative impact on the environment if the trees are felled

Residents have expressed their concerns over the possibility of ancient oak trees being cut down to protect a gas pipe.

Friends of Slough Canal said they feared that gas distribution firm Cadent planned to cut down a row of oak trees along a stretch of the Slough Canal towpath.

But Cadent, which operates a site on Uxbridge Road near the canal, said that "no felling of trees is required" along the towpath.

Diane Richards, founding member of Friends of Slough Canal, said it would be "tragic" if any trees were cut down.

Permit required

The group has launched an e-petition after hearing about the potential plans.

It said Cadent had carried out assessment work, and that the plans related to an existing gas pipe beneath the towpath between Langley Park Road and Hollow Hill Lane on the Slough section of the Grand Union Canal.

Ms Richards said the main concern was for the potential impact on amphibians, reptiles, bats and a rare species of butterfly.

"Some of the trees have been there before the canal was even built, and some of the oldest trees could be 250 years old," she said.

“It would be tragic if they were felled."

She added that residents of houseboats would also be affected as the trees help to block noise from the nearby train line and industrial units.

But Cadent said in statement: "We can confirm that no felling of trees is required along the Slough canal towpath, however there may still be some engineering works taking place in the area."

The Canal and Rivers Trust, which is responsible for the trees, said it had not issued a permit for any work.

“We have not issued a permit for the felling of trees in this location," a spokesperson for the trust said.

"Anyone seeking to carry out such work on our land must comply with our code of practice.”